09/04/2003 Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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The motion was seconded by N. Sergi and unanimously approveci. VAItIANCE G1tANTED AS AMENDED. Mr. Maloney asked if Mr. Brabander had entered the meeting. There was no reply. 1VIr. 10'Ialoney indicated the Brabander proposal will be tabled until next month. 7. Westfield, 4954 Great Northern ShonUing Center, WRD 4 Request for variance (1123.12). The proposal consists of exterior signage for building signs and ground signs. The following variances are requested: 1. A variance for 2 additional wall signs (code permits 2, applicant shows 4), section (1163.27 (a)). 2. A 4 foot 8 inch height variance for height of 1 wall sign (code permits 4 ft., applicant shows 8 ft. 8 inches), section (1163.27 (c)). 3. A 56 square foot variance for square footage of 1 wall sign (code permits 100 sq. ft., applicant shows 156 sq. ft.), section 1163.27 (c)). 4. A 22 inch variance for sign extending from building for 1 wall sign (code permit 14 inches, applicant shows 36 inches), section (1163.27 (b)). 5. A 2 foot 9 inch variance for height of 3 wall signs (code permits 4 ft., applicant shows 6 ft., 9 inches), section (1163.27 (c)). 6. A 17 inch variance for signs extending from structure for 3 wall signs (code permits 14 inches, applicant shows 31 inches), section (1163.27 (b)). NOTE: All wall signs must be held at least 12 inches down from the top edge and 12 inches from side edge of surface or wall it is attached to. 7. A variance for 15 additional ground signs (code permits 2, applicant shows 16, however, there is one for the bank not shown), section (1163.26 (a)). 8. A variance for signs closer than 200 feet apart from each other (code does not allow, applicant shows 5 locations with signs less than 22 ft. apart), section (1163.26 (a)). 9. A 6 square foot variance for exceeding allowable sign face for 5 type B signs (code permits 50 sq. ft., applicant shows 56 sq. ft.), section (1163.26 (c)). 10. A 4 foot variance for northeast ground sign too close to north side of row (code requires 5 ft., applicant shows 1 ft.), section (1163.26 (b)). 11. A 2 foot variance for northeast ground sign too close to east side of row (code requires 5 ft., applicant shows 3 ft.), section (1163.26 (b)). NOTE: Development area consists of S separate parcels, if these were figured separately they would be allowed 12 ground signs. 12. A 2055 square foot variance for maximum sign face per building (code permits 2518 sq. ft., applicant shows 4573 sq. ft.), section (1163.24 (b)). Which is in violation of Ord. 90-125 sections (1163.27 (a)), (1163.27 (b)), (1163.27 (c)), (1163.26 (a)), (1163.26 (c)), (1163.26 (b)), and (1163.24 (b)). The following individuals came forward on behalf of Westfield: James Farrell (head of development out of Chicago), Mike McIntosh (general manager of the mall), Kevin Muldoon (the assistant general manager), Jerry Archer and Mike Schell (of the sign company), and John Workley (the architect). Mr. Farrell said the issue is they have an 82 acre site with a million square foot building on it and they are here to present a modification of the existing signage. They will modify 6 monument signs which identify the entrances into the property, as well as 4 distinct entry signs replacing the larger pylons. There will be directional signage on the site as well. He said Westfield will maintain the name Great Northern for the center but Westfield brands their centers. It will be Westfield Shopping Town at Great Northern. The brand represents their customer service and attention to the property. What they are really talking about is a modification of the existing signage and the replacement thereof. He said what is unique about the situation is they are trying to take the ordinance as it is today, not what it was when the signs went up, and essentially they would only be allowed 2 signs on the property. He said Great Northern should really have its own sign ordinance because of the uniqueness of the property. That is why they need 10 variances, which looks like a lot but it is simply