Trustee upset with change in Lake Zurich review process
Lake Zurich has eliminated a requirement for an informal village board review of certain development proposals before starting the official approval process - a move that created some village board tension when one trustee claimed it reduces government openness.
Trustees voted 5-1 this week to streamline what's known as a courtesy review for proposals. While his colleagues praised the move as friendly toward businesses, Trustee Jeffrey Halen was the lone objector in citing concerns about reducing transparency.
Previously, new projects or expanding businesses that needed a change in Lake Zurich's zoning code or map were required to appear before the village board for a courtesy review for early public feedback on a proposal. That step occurred before the official start in the approval process with the advisory planning and zoning commission for a public hearing.
Now, a proposal such as a store looking to make minor changes to occupy space in a mall won't be required to seek the informal village board feedback. Instead, the idea would start with the planning and zoning commission.
Community Development Director Sarosh Saher said the change is expected to save developers two to four weeks in the approval process.
But Halen objected to the move, raising concerns about development proposals not getting enough of a public vetting.
"So why then, with so many business friendly opportunities the village could engage in, are they seeking one that removes a layer of transparency and not being transparent while doing it?" Halen said.
Trustee John Shaw responded to Halen.
"I just don't agree with you, Jeff, at all - at all," Shaw said.
Trustee Jim Beaudoin said the tweaked process does not end the courtesy review. He said it will remain an important tool for officials to get an early look at major projects that need "significant relief" from Lake Zurich zoning regulations.
Beaudoin said no one will be shortchanged by accelerating the time it takes to approve routine business proposals.
"We want to be business friendly," he said, "and again, I think the (reduced) time is important."
Planning and zoning commission members last month recommended the change to the village board, which has final say on issues. They are charged with reviewing development proposals and issuing recommendations to the village board.