North Cook News

Village of Northbrook Plan Commission met Sept. 2

Here are the minutes provided by the commission:

1) Roll Call

Attendee Name    Status

Steven Elisco    Present

Jeff Braiman    Present

Keri Halperin    Present

Nikos Karavitis    Present

Jeremy Melnick    Present

Allen Morgan    Present

Andrea Pipito    Present

Ken Walden    Present

2) Minutes Approval

2.A) Minutes for Approval - August 19, 2025

Commissioner (no audio) moved, Commissioner (no audio) seconded the motion to approve the regular meeting minutes for August 19, 2025, as amended. On voice vote, all were in favor. 

3) Community Planning Report

Michaela Kohlstedt, Deputy Director, reported the Plan Commission’s recommendations for two applications (proposed new Zoning Code and rezoning) submitted by the Village, will be considered by the Village Board on September 9, 2025.

4) Public Comment Time

5) Public Hearing

5.A) DOCKET NO. PCD-25-08: 1804 - 1818 Skokie Boulevard - Rivian (Public Hearing) - An application filed by Edens Tower LLC, as owner of the property commonly known as 1804 ? 1818 Skokie Boulevard, which will be transferred to 1818 Partnership, LLC, for development of a Rivian dealership and repair facility for the purposes of: (A) Lot Consolidation to consolidate two parcels into one; (B) Special Permit for a Motor Vehicle Dealer (New & Used) with Open Sales Lot (SIC No. 5510.02); (C) Special Permit for Automotive Repair Shop (SIC No. 7530.00); (D) Variation to reduce the required interior side (south) and rear (west) yard from 5 feet to 0 feet; (E) Variation to reduce the required loading space from 1 to 0; (F) Site Plan Approval; and (G) Approval of any such variations, waivers, and zoning relief as may be necessary. 

Senior Planner Swati Pandey discussed an application submitted by Edens Tower LLC, for the property located at 1804-1818 Skokie Boulevard. The applicant is requesting approval to consolidate two parcels into one and develop a single-story Rivian electric vehicle showroom space and automotive repair service facility. She provided a brief overview of the following:  properties, zoning, and proposed plan. She noted the requested relief/primary issues the Plan Commission should consider.

Chad Madaya, 901 W Jackson Boulevard, Chicago, IL, stated he is representing the property owner and developer. He assured the Commission that the proposed lighting is incompliance with the ordinance.

Michaela Kohlstedt, Deputy Director, confirmed the lease agreement is for fifteen years. 

Mike Rosenthal, 1840 Janky Drive, Northbrook, IL, requested the Commission address easement access during working hours. Furthermore, he suggested the Village install a gate to allow the public to use the proposed bike path (will be located on the easement) once the project completes.

Ms. Kohlstedt requested Mr. Rosenthal contact the Public Works Department for more information regarding an easement for a proposed bike path.

Peter Haller, 205 Aster Place, Northbrook, IL, spoke in opposition of the proposed development project. He expressed concern regarding the following: increased noise, business operation hours, light spillage, lack of impact studies, and lack of buffering. Furthermore, he presented a petition signed by residents opposing the development project.

Mr. Rosenthal addressed a member of the public’s concern regarding light spillage by assuring the Commission a light study was performed, and the proposed lighting is incompliance with the ordinance. 

Matthew Kowalski, 1205 Sand Piper Lane, Naperville, IL, clarified business operations with the Commission. He confirmed car maintenance will be performed inside the building and the vehicles will be turned on by utilizing the remote start option, which will not trigger the alarm. Furthermore, the proposed project does not include a backdoor service bell. 

DJ, Property Owner, stated he is not aware of an easement on the property for a bike path.

Mr. Rosenthal clarified the entry points and existing drainage easement along the backside of the property.

Commissioner Halperin made a motion to close the public hearing; seconded by Commissioner (00:30:55). On roll call vote, all were in favor. (7 Yes Votes, 0 No Votes)

Commissioner Halperin spoke in support of the proposed development project.

Commissioner Karavitis spoke in support of the proposed development project. He requested more information from the Public Works Department regarding the following:  proposed bike path, noise control, and light pollution plan.

Commissioner Pipito concurs with her fellow Trustees.

Commissioner Morgan spoke in support of the proposed development project.

Commissioner Walden requested a provision be added to ensure the bike path is not encumbered. He expressed concern regarding the lack of information for lighting and noise control.

Commissioner Braiman spoke in support of the proposed development project.

Chairman Elisco spoke in support of the proposed development project. He noted the development project includes the largest buffer (approximately 300-feet) in the Village of Northbrook.

Ms. Kohlstedt confirmed the proposed Skokie Valley Trail project (bike trail) is not located at the mentioned easement. The bike trail is located far west and the closest entry point for the proposed trail is located near Dundee Road.

Commissioner (00:40:17) made a motion to approve a resolution for Docket No. PCD-25-08, 1804-1818 Skokie Boulevard - Rivian, as prepared and submitted by staff; seconded by Commissioner Halperin. On roll call vote, all were in favor. (7 Yes Votes, 0 No Votes)

6) Review of Draft Resolutions

7) Discussion Topics

Michaela Kohlstedt, Deputy Director, reported the next meeting was rescheduled for September 30, 2025, due to lack of quorum. The Commission will consider four time sensitive applications at the next meeting.

8) Remarks for the Good of the Order

Chairman Elisco read a thank you note received from a member of the public addressed to the Plan Commission.

9) Adjourn

Commissioner Halperin made a motion, seconded by Commissioner (00:51:45) to adjourn. On voice vote, a motion to adjourn passed unanimously. Adjourned at 8:21 p.m.

https://northbrook-il.granicus.com/MinutesViewer.php?view_id=2&clip_id=915&doc_id=5f149dae-9eef-11f0-8df7-005056a89546