Elgin Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting - August 3, 2026
Elgin Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting - August 3, 2026
The Elgin Planning and Zoning Commission met on August 3, 2026, to consider one petition (16-26) for a conditional use to allow a corrugated box manufacturing facility at 1450 Bowes Road. The meeting included approval of the July 6, 2026 minutes and discussion of other business, including customer service surveys and pending development applications.
Consent Calendar
- Approval of July 6, 2026 Minutes: Motion approved unanimously (7-0).
Public Comments & Testimony
- No public comments were made during the public comment period for the petition or for general public comment.
Discussion Items
- Petition 16-26 – Forest Packaging Corporation: City staff presented the request for a conditional use to permit a manufacturer of corrugated and solid fiber boxes within the existing building at 1450 Bowes Road. The property is approximately 9 acres, zoned ORI (Office of Research Industrial District), and is currently vacant. The applicant, Forest Packaging, a family-owned business operating for 60 years, seeks to relocate from Elk Grove Village to Elgin. The facility would operate two shifts (5 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 1 a.m.) five days a week, with 44-60 employees. No exterior building changes are proposed; only a new enclosed refuse collection area. No outdoor storage is planned. Staff recommended approval subject to standard conditions. The applicant (Carissa Wendt, Kobu Architecture Studio, and John Kula, owner) described the operation: receiving corrugated sheets, then assembling, folding, cutting, gluing, and printing using water-soluble inks and adhesives. Truck traffic estimated at 4-7 inbound loads per day. The applicant noted the business is quiet and clean. Commissioners asked about printing process, truck volumes, and reasons for choosing Elgin. The applicant stated they are past capacity in their current 46,000 sq ft facility and are investing $5.5 million in new equipment. Approximately 15 of current 44 employees will relocate, creating local hiring opportunities.
- Other Business – Customer Service Surveys: Commissioner Jones raised concerns about negative customer experiences at the Community Development counter and suggested implementing a survey system to gather feedback. Staff (Demir) acknowledged efforts were underway but noted complexities in contacting walk-ins without contact information. Commissioner Jones urged adoption of a system similar to other city departments.
- Summary of Pending Development Applications: Staff reported upcoming applications: the 7 Brew project expected for the next meeting (September 14), a lot split on Logan Avenue scheduled for City Council, a liquor store at 968 Dundee, and Evil Intentions haunted house which received final zoning approval from City Council. A new application was received for industrial development along Airport Road (subdivision for two light industrial buildings).
Key Outcomes
- Petition 16-26: Motion to recommend approval to City Council subject to conditions passed unanimously (7-0).
- Meeting Schedule: The next meeting will be on September 14, 2026 (second Monday) due to the Labor Day holiday.
- Evil Intentions Haunted House: Confirmed to have received final zoning approval from City Council.
- Adjournment: Motion to adjourn passed unanimously (7-0).
Meeting Transcript
Call the August 3rd, 2026 meeting of the Elgin Planning and Zoning Commission to order. Can staff please call the roll? Commissioner Abwali. Present. Commissioner Boske? Here. Commissioner Goska? Here. Commissioner Jones? Here. Commissioner Olson? Here. Commissioner Rubel? Here. And Chair Wildermouth? Here. We have a core. All right. Um, and next on the agenda is approval of the July 6th, 2026 minutes. Um, can I have a motion on those minutes, please? And move to approve. Is there a second? Second. Staff please call the role. Commissioner Jones? Yes. Commissioner Bruble. Yes. Commissioner Abwali. Yes. Commissioner Boske. Yes. Commissioner Gaska. Yes. Commissioner Olson? Yes. And Chair Wildermouth? Yes. The minutes are approved. Seven to zero. Thank you. Well, good evening, everyone, and welcome to the August uh third, twenty twenty-six meeting of the planning and zoning commission. Tonight we're going to be hearing one petition, 16-26. Um, and before we go on to the agenda, I just want to briefly discuss the role of the commission and the procedure for tonight's meeting. So the planning and zoning commission is an advisory is primarily an advisory and recommending body to city council. The commission will review development proposals and determine whether proposal meets the applicable standard of review. So tonight we'll first hear from city staff on the petition, and then followed by questions uh that commissioners will ask of city staff. Then we're gonna invite the applicant to provide uh to come forward, provide a brief overview of the proposal, and then the commission will have a chance to ask questions of the applicant. And then after that, we will open the hearing to uh the public for questions and comments, and then during public comment, uh the public is invited to come forward, state your name, and provide your address, and then uh those comments should be addressed to the commission, and we'll take note of any questions and direct those to the appropriate um individual, um whether that's staff or um the applicant. Um and then the commission will deliberate vote and pass its recommendation to city council.
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