Village of Northbrook Committee of the Whole Met Aug. 10.
Here is the minutes provided by the board:
1. ROLL CALL
| Attendee Name | Title | Status | Arrived |
| Kathryn Ciesla | Village President | Present | |
| Bob Israel | Trustee | Present | |
| Muriel Collison | Trustee | Absent | |
| Heather Ross | Trustee | Present | |
| Johannah Hebl | Trustee | Present | |
| Dan Pepoon | Trustee | Present | |
| Joy Ebhomielen | Trustee | Present |
No Minutes to Review
3. PUBLIC COMMENT TIME
None
4. DISCUSSION TOPICS
A. A Presentation on the Cedar Lane Reconstruction Project
Village Engineer Matt Farmer began with a recap of the June 10, 2021 Open House for the Cedar Lane Reconstruction project. Planned reconstruction would take place on Cedar Lane from Cherry Lane to Walters Avenue. Comments from residents at the time of the open house included parking concerns, ROW width, and tree removal. Mr. Farmer met personally with many individuals after the Open House. New goals with options were introduced into revised designs for the Village Board to consider at tonight’s meeting. Information was included in the packet.
The area from Walters to Center was a parking concern in the prior draft. The second area of concern was “right of way” width. The third and fourth area of concern centered on tree removal. Concern Number One on the first plan draft from Walters Avenue to Center on Cedar Lane had a 10 foot wide walking path and five foot parkway and no parking. After revisions, the 10 foot wide walking path on the west side would be reduced to an 8 foot wide walking path, with a three foot parkway with parking next to it. Revised plan 1A brings back close to seven parking spots in total.
Concern Number Two is a question of ownership regarding the width of the right of way. It is either 60 feet or 50 feet, which is shown on the original plat of subdivision. A determination of ownership is necessary to advance any design.
Concern Number Three and Four is the area in front of the Village Hall and the Library that necessitates the removal of trees marked by an X in the draft plan. The original plan had 52 parking spots with a 75 degree. A revised plan proposes the same 10 foot wide walking path but the 5 foot park way would be two feet. The degree for parking had to change from 75 to 45. In the new draft, the total parking spots are reduced to 39. There is a loss of 13 parking spots. This design removes fewer trees.
Tree numbers 1-9 would be untouched. The Village Engineer Farmer explained the Village Forrester stated that there are two “good” trees, numbers 10 and 15. Tree numbers 11, 12, 13, and 14 are less desirable trees. If the 75 degree parking option was selected, the 8 foot wide walking path and 2 foot parkway would impact the trees.
The Library has four trees in the west parkway. With a 10 foot or 8 foot wide walking path and a five foot or two foot parkway, tree roots would be damaged. No design works next to the Library to protect the trees. Mr. Farmer concluded his presentation.
President Ciesla asked for a definition of good and bad trees and questioned the net benefits. Mr. Farmer answered that some trees are invasive and are not desirable species. A landscape architect would be hired to lay out new trees in the plan. President Ciesla stated that the 45 degree parking would be worse for the Library. The Library has expressed concern over loss of parking that is already inadequate at certain times.
Trustee Israel asked about consistency in the size of the path. Mr. Farmer stated it should be either all 10 foot or all 8 foot.
Trustee Ross stated that a 10 foot wide walking path and five foot parkway would have more paved surface area than an 8 foot wide walking path and 2 foot parkway which would allow for more green space.
Trustee Hebl questions why the Village was considering this project and what the prior concerns were. She asked why the engineering department believes reconstruction will slow down traffic on Cedar.
Mr. Farmer answered that 25 mph is the goal but some drivers are clocked at 32-35 mph or more. Mr. Farmer explained if the drivers are made more cautious with reduced lane width, curves, and parked cars, responsible drivers will reduce their speed. Mr. Farmer stated that the proposed reconstruction offers an opportunity for a safe pedestrian crossing that is marked with a rapid flashing push button beacon. Stop signs along with bump-outs similar to those at Walters and Cedar are proposed for Cherry Lane and Cedar Lane to slow down traffic.
Drivers use Cedar Lane as an alternate way to move through town when there is a train. Trustee Hebl questioned if the proposed reconstruction will incentivize people to slow down and use the cross walks. Mr. Farmer answered that the improvements should help slow down traffic.
Trustee Pepoon asked if the existing trees can be transplanted. The answer is “No.” because the trees are too large. Trustee Pepoon asked about the Bicycle Pedestrian Plan and how it relates to this project. Mr. Farmer explained Cedar Lane is not identified in the current Bicycle Pedestrian Plan, but when reconstruction projects are proposed we need to consider opportunities for pedestrian and bicycle improvements.
Trustee Pepoon noted his interest in as little as possible impervious surface for storm water purposes. He suggests Village staff look at the type of permeable materials used in the Greenbriar School parking lot.
Mr. Farmer answered that his staff would investigate best suited materials.
Trustee Ebhomielen is concerned with proposed tree loss and reduced parking. She questioned if additional parking could be found behind Village Hall. Mr. Farmer stated that the area behind the Library is a water detention area. Village Manager Nahrstadt explained that the area that is currently houses the Community Garden was originally set aside as land-banked space for potential future parking. The area where the Village fleet maintenance building resides could accommodate 75 parking spaces, if fleet maintenance were to be relocated.
Trustee Ebhomielen asked if speed bumps were considered for slowing down traffic on Cedar. Mr. Farmer answered that the bumps make snow plowing more difficult and have not proven to effectively slow down traffic speed except at the bump. Trustee Ebhomielen thanked Mr. Farmer for his efforts in discussing with the community.
President Ciesla had a follow up question. She stated that after hearing comments from the Board and the Public that an alternate option would be to scrap the current proposed reconstruction plan in favor of adding a center median to slow down the traffic on Cedar Lane. The audience clapped in enthusiasm. Farmer explained that adding a median only would not provide safe access for pedestrians leaving their vehicles on the west side of Cedar Lane intending to cross to the east side of the roadway.
Trustee Israel stated that a median would compress the area of the pull-in parking. He stated that bicycles and cars would be pushed into each other on a compressed path. Trustee Hebl asked if anyone evaluated a sidewalk all along on the west side of Cedar versus a bicycle path. She stated that a standard sidewalk on the west side may be enough. Comments were taken from the audience.
Susan Schueler stated that she is not in support of the proposed reconstruction plans for Cedar. She stated that there is no need for a bicycle path. She referred to a Village General Plan from 2017, map 17 where no bicycle pathway was identified as needed for Cedar Lane or spot recommendation improvement for Cherry Lane and Cedar. She would like to see documentation on how many speeding tickets are written in a given amount of time and accident reports for the area. She is in favor of more police presence. She is not in favor of shifting the roadway on Cedar Lane by Cherry Lane. She states that Greenbriar School does not want children trying to cross the street at Cherry Lane and Cedar Lane but rather at Cherry Lane and Greenbriar Lane. She stated that the bump outs by Cedar and Walters Avenue are dangerous as they force bicyclists out in traffic. She is not in favor of more bump outs. She would rather see money spent in the downtown area.
Mr. and Mrs. Rosenberg stated that the side path does not connect to anything else in Northbrook. The homeowner stated that the Village is asking him to give up his property. He questions the property line and wants it addressed before the Village commits to any reconstruction. The homeowners like the magnolia and maple tree on their property. President Ciesla assured the homeowner that the Village will investigate the property line.
Tom Leski stated that bump outs are a pitch point for bikes. He wants to see a full complete plan for the Village. He stated that Cedar Lane is a secondary street. He would like to see sidewalks and more police presence. He stated that the trees that are impacted are not heritage trees and do not need bump outs. He favored sidewalks that are straight and continuous. He favors attractive light poles with attractive planters on Cedar and elsewhere and is in favor of burying power lines.
Sean Hanrahan stated that his home has no parking. He stated that no one would want to own a home with no parking.
Bruce stated that the Village would be taking away parking from those who need parking. He stated that it took a long time for the crosswalks in the area to get painted. He requests a sidewalk on the west side of Cedar for children and others with added night lighting. He asks for more police presence. Bump outs hinder bicyclists.
President Ciesla thanked the public for their opinions. After listening to those present at tonight’s meeting she stated that it is not appropriate to spend money in this way. President Ciesla stated she believes a median down the center of Cedar would calm traffic. She is in favor of a sidewalk on the west side of the street and cross walks added to make the street safer. Street lights and planters are appropriate. She doesn’t feel that there are enough bicyclists to add a bicycle path and would like the Bicycle Commission to look at the issue of bump outs in the roadway.
Trustee Israel believes Cedar Lane needs to be rehabbed. He stated that the roadway is very wide and encourages the speeding behavior. A curve in the middle would slow down the speed. He stated that a separate multi use path would be appropriate. He wants a safe crossing space. He favors an 8 foot multi use path that would enhance the area. It would minimize the impact on the trees.
Trustee Ross is comfortable with the drawings that were presented tonight. She trusts the experts on changing behavior.
Trustee Hebl is not ready to proceed at this time. Cedar is in need of improvements but does not want to commit to a design change when there is a future opportunity near the water tower. She wants to see creative measures on the street and a 3D type crosswalk. She would like to investigate a potential median with creative crosswalk in the middle of the street. Trustee Hebl states we need to find the lines of ownership on Cedar.
Trustee Pepoon states that Cedar Lane is in need of getting rebuilt. He believes a full sidewalk on the west side of Cedar is a priority for connecting people to Greenbrier School. Parking is important. He is open to creative solutions but wants an 8 foot sidewalk on the west side of Cedar.
Trustee Ebhomielen believes it is important to listen to the residents but to do the right thing in terms of safety. She believes that there are other potential ways to solve the issue at hand. She would like to see other creative ideas flushed out before she makes any decisions. She is interested in green ideas to make the roadway more parks like. She will consider a median.
President Ciesla asked for consensus. She is asking Public Works explore a sidewalk on the west side of Cedar Lane, to preserve parking, explore options of a median to reduce speed, add additional crosswalks and landscaping along with beautification opportunities. She also wants to understand the ballpark of costs with the CIP. She cannot justify $2 million in costs. She stressed the need for confirmation of ownership of property.
Trustee Hebl and Trustee Ross are comfortable with options outlined by President Ciesla. Trustee Ross wants to see statistics on accidents.
Trustee Pepoon is comfortable with options outlined by President Ciesla and waits to see what comes back.
Trustee Israel will consider the available options.
President Ciesla assured the audience that their comments and concerns were heard by the Board. She is asking staff to go back with the new suggestions and to incorporate them.
5. REMARKS FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER
None
6. ADJOURN
A motion was made to adjourn the COW meeting at 7:35 p.m. by Trustee Pepoon and seconded by Trustee Hebl. The motion passed by unanimous voice vote.
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