January's Planning Commission Meeting Recap

Last Tuesday the Planning Commission held its regular monthly meeting.  Three items of business were considered.  The most important of these items was the updated Site Plan for Isabella Pellet.  Last year when the Village Council granted an Industrial Facilities Personal Property Tax Exemption as allowed under Public Act 198,  the agreement between the Village and plant called for them to submit an updated Site Plan by the end of 2011.  The Council felt this was a needed requirement as the original Site Plan submitted by the plant did not fully reflect the scope of development that occurred.  Specifically, the equipment located outside of the facility.

At the meeting the Planning Commission discussed the development with management of the plant and were updated on items that the plant is working on to address the handful of concerns that have been voiced regarding noise and appearance.

After discussing the measures being taken by the plant, the Planning Commission requested that management of the plant and Village staff draft a timeline of steps of when certain items need to be in place and submit that plan for consideration as part of the approval for the updated Site Plan.  This timeline should be ready for the Planning Commission's consideration at their February meeting.

Also considered at this month's meeting was the possibility of including a special noise site plan requirement for non-residential development.  This idea originally was submitted to the Village during the update of the Village's noise ordinance in 2011.  However, prior to including it in the updated ordinance, the Village Council asked for additional review on the part of the Planning Commission.

After reviewing the draft submitted to the Village, the Planning Commission expressed concern over having two different plans in the approval process, and felt that it would be better to simply update the Site Plan review section of the zoning code to allow a greater review of noise and noise related activities.

Lastly, the Planning Commission prioritized its projects and goals for 2012.

A draft copy of the minutes are available for public inspection at the Village Hall.  If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact the Village Hall.

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