North Cook News

Village of Northbrook Plan Commission met March 4

Here are the minutes provided by the commission:

1) Roll Call

Attendee Name Title Status

Steven Elisco Chairman Present

Jeff Braiman Commissioner Present

Mark DeBartolo Commissioner Present

Keri Halperin Commissioner Present

Nikos Karavitis Commissioner Absent

Jeremy Melnick Commissioner Absent

Allen Morgen Commissioner Present

Jeff Sandler Commissioner Present

Ken Walden Commissioner Present

Michaela Kohlstedt Deputy Director Present

Swati Pandey Senior Planner Present

Caitlyn Culbertson Village Attorney Present

2) Minutes Approval

2.A) Minutes for Approval - February 18, 2025

Commissioner Halperin moved, Commissioner DeBartolo seconded the motion to approve the regular meeting minutes for February 18, 2025, as amended. On voice vote, all were in favor. 

Chairman Elisco and Commissioner Walden noted changes to the draft minutes.

Commissioner Sandler abstained.

3) Community Planning Report

Michaela Kohlstedt, Deputy Director, educated the Plan Commission on how to use the newly installed microphones. Furthermore, the Village Board conducted two preliminary reviews for Northbrook Court and Little Mountain Gym. A joint public hearing is scheduled for March 11, 2025, to expedite the process for High Performance Learning LLC and discuss the amendment for Northbrook Court. The Village will conduct a training session at the next Plan Commission meeting scheduled for March 18, 2025. She clarified the expedited hearing process with the Commission.

4) Public Comment Time

5) Public Hearing

5.A) DOCKET NO. PCD-24-15: 306 - 310 ERA DRIVE (Public Hearing) - An application filed by Cheetah Illinois LLC as potential lessee of the property commonly known as 306 ? 310 Era Drive, which is currently owned by TI Investors of Northbrook LLC, and under contract to be sold to 306 Era Drive LLC, and, for the purposes of: (A) Special Permit to Allow Recreational Cannabis Infuser (SIC No. 2834.03), and Cannabis Processor (SIC No. 2834.04) for a property in the I-1 Restricted Industrial zoning district; (B) Parking Variation to reduce the requirement from 77 spaces to 66 spaces (15%); and (C) Approval of any such variations, waivers, and zoning relief as may be necessary.

Senior Planner Swati Pandey discussed an application submitted by Cheetah Illinois LLC, for the property located at 306–310 Era Drive. The applicant is requesting approval of a special permit to allow a cannabis infuser facility to manufacture cannabis infused edibles. She provided a brief overview of the following: subject property, zoning, and proposed plan. Furthermore, she confirmed the applicant does not possess a license to operate at this time.

Michaela Kohlstedt, Deputy Director, explained the cannabis infusing process.

Anthony Ochs, Attorney for Applicant, spoke on the lease agreement for the subject property. He provided a brief overview of the following: cannabis infusing process, zoning, business operations, property improvements/security, and license acquisition.

He confirmed the applicant will be purchasing an existing license with Commissioner DeBartolo.

Ms. Kohlstedt explained the cannabis application review process. 

Andrew Plante, Sr. Director Compliance & Risk Management, iAnthus Capital Management, 158 Cranberry Road, Attleboro, MA, clarified confidential security operations.

Ms. Ochs confirmed a sales tax is applied to cannabis sales. Furthermore, the existing license holder has agreed to sell the applicant their license, due to maintenance costs.

Ms. Kohlstedt noted the Village Board’s approval of a special permit is contingent upon the State of Illinois approving the license transfer.

Commissioner DeBartolo made a motion to close the public hearing; seconded by Commissioner Sandler. On roll call vote, all were in favor. (7 Yes Votes, 0 No Votes)

Commissioner Morgen made a motion to approve a resolution for Docket No. PCD-24- 15, 306-310 Era Drive, as prepared and submitted by staff; seconded by Commissioner Sandler. On roll call vote, all were in favor. (7 Yes Votes, 0 No Votes)

6) Discussion Topics

Commissioner DeBartolo spoke on a pedestrian safety incident regarding queuing at White Plains Shopping Center.

Michaela Kohlstedt, Deputy Director, advised the Commission the Village will evaluate the pedestrian safety issue regarding queuing.

Commissioner Walden concurred with Commissioner DeBartolo’s pedestrian safety concerns regarding queuing.

7) Remarks for the Good of the Order

8) Adjourn

Commissioner Sandler made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Morgen to adjourn. On voice vote, a motion to adjourn passed unanimously. Adjourned at 8:12 p.m. 

https://northbrook-il.granicus.com/DocumentViewer.php?file=northbrook-il_6e57c05918a80819cf114b6c47c3779a.pdf&view=1