2002-15 AMENDING SPECIAL PERMIT - ELECTRIC SUBSTATION - NORTHEAST CORNER OF MOUND AND GREENSWITCH ROADS

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ECONOMIC AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT MEMORANDUM Memo No. 02-29 March 21, 2002 TO: Honorable Mayor Howley and City Council FROM: Steve Garm ' Manager A. J. Krieger, E nomic and Urban Development Departmen Steven J. Van teenhuyse, Planning Manag� Joselyn A. Ste art, Transportation Planner��1 I SUBJECT: Request to Amend a Special Use Permit for an Electric Substation-Northeast corner of Mound Road and Greenswitch Road SUMMARY RECOMMENDATION: The tract contains approximately 1.4 acres and is vacant. The subject site is zoned R-6, Multiple Dwelling District. A Special Use Permit allowing an electric substation on the subject premises was approved by City Council on November 20, 2000. This approval showed a landscaped berm along the south and west sides of the proposed substation. The petitioner is requesting an amendment to the special use permit to comply with the Illinois Deparhnent of Natural Resources (IDNR) flood plain requirements. The majority of the berm called for in the original special use permit would be in the flood plain. The amendment is being requested to eliminate the berm and replace it with a decorative fence and landscaping on the South and West sides (Mound and Greenswitch frontages) of the proposed substation. The petitioner has proposed utilizing existing vegetation for a screening on the north side. A catalog cut showing the proposed fence is attached. Although the berm was the preferred alternative at the time of the original approval, staff recognizes that state and local flood plain regulations take precedence. The proposed fence and landscaping are acceptable and will help to screen the facility along the side streets. The berm and landscaping proposed for the east line, where it is adjacent to multi-family development, will remain on the revised plan. Therefore, staff recommends approval of the proposal. BACKGROUND: During the initial Special Use Permit application, the petitioner indicated that this substation was necessary to ensure adequate electric service to new developments in the Brush College Road and Route 48 North area. The approved plan showed a berm along the south and west sides of the development which, combined with landscaping, was meant to screen the substation from view from Mound and Greenswitch Roads. POTENTIAL OBJECTION: There are no known objectors to this petition. INPUT FROM OTHER SOURCES: The City Plan Commission voted 8-0 to recommend approval of this petition at the March 7, 2002 hearing. The staff report for this item and the minutes of the meeting are attached.