Following a roughly 25-minute recess on Monday, Aug. 1 — while attendees protesting the Flossmoor police response that led to the death of Madeline Miller continued chanting in the boardroom after public comment — the Flossmoor Village Board returned to approve everything on the evening’s agenda without further discussion.
Among the approvals that got unanimous support from the board was the final version of a Local Road Safety Plan, originally discussed in draft form in June. Created by the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning and Jacobs Engineering Group, the plan serves as a guidance tool for the village.
Following the June meeting, staff reviewed the draft and provided comments, according to a report by Public Works Director John Brunke. Jacobs addressed the comments and revised the document before approval, according to Brunke.
The document is the result of a two-year, grant-funded study. It identifies, analyzes and prioritizes roadway safety improvements, with crash data and feedback from those who use the roads driving the plan. It recommends focusing strategy efforts on speed management, pedestrians, bicyclists and improving driver behavior. And a Complete Streets plan would rework roadway spaces to promote non-motorized transportation.
The results of the study are viewed as a planning document, rather than policy or a commitment to act on the suggested measures, Brunke explained. It encourages staff and engineers to prioritize certain areas through further study, planning and funding.
The entire Local Road Safety Plan can be viewed here.
Consent Agenda Approvals
- The village board voted unanimously to approve its consent agenda, which included approval to rezone properties at 1835 Dixie Highway and 1615 Vollmer Road to B-2 Community Business District to make way for a local investment group proposing to redevelop the property for a public and private cigar lounge. The “vast majority” of the properties there have been vacated, according to a report by Building and Zoning Administrator Scott Bugner.
- The consent agenda also included approval of a variation that allows for a fence in the front and side yard at 1808 Sylvan Court. The village’s zoning ordinance typically prohibits front or side yard fences, but the owners argued safety and security concerns, as well as a unique lot, according to a report by Bugner. There was no opposition, per the report, and the Zoning Board of Appeals voted unanimously to recommend the variance.
- With the consent agenda, the board also approved a resolution of support for a Class 8 tax incentive for Windy Property Investments LLC. The company is considering investing in renovations of the vacant BP gas station, restaurant and car wash at 3950 Vollmer Road. Last month, the company asked the board for the incentive to make the project viable. A second approved resolution obligates Windy Property Investments to reimburse the village annually for any reductions of Flossmoor’s portion of real estate taxes at the property.