Planning Building Zoning and Environment Committee Meeting

This meeting of the Planning Building Zoning and Environment Committee was held on August 26, 2026. The committee reviewed and approved several items including an intergovernmental agreement amendment with SWALCO, a rezoning and preliminary PUD for an affordable housing development (Midlothian Manor), amendments to the unified development ordinance for sustainable energy facilities, and a fee schedule update. Public comments were heard on the affordable housing project, with majority support and one opposition voice.

Consent Calendar

• The consent agenda was moved by Member Kenijnik, seconded by Member Compos, and passed unanimously by voice vote. (No specific items listed.)

Public Comments & Testimony

• Paul Virgilio (nearby resident, 37 years in Lake Zurich): Expressed full support for the Midlothian Manor affordable housing development, addressing safety and neighborhood character concerns. Noted existing sidewalks, community amenities, and compatible surrounding uses.
• Liz Nelson (representing Joining Forces for Affordable Housing): Spoke in support on behalf of residents and organizations. Cited housing needs: 17,700 market-rate and 7,900 affordable units needed in Lake County. Provided examples of local families struggling with housing costs.
• Sue Kalman: Supported the project, citing critical housing shortage, economic impacts (employers leaving due to lack of workforce housing), and 2023 Lake County Partners housing analysis (73,000 households cost-burdened). Noted Lake Zurich has only 11% affordable housing stock.
• Gary Shipakassian (Vernon Hills resident): Supported the project, noting 48% of renters and 25% of homeowners cost-burdened, and that HODC exceeded county requirements for stormwater, lighting, fencing, and landscaping.
• Bruce Boyd (Highland Park resident): Supported the project based on positive experience with inclusionary housing in Highland Park, which made community more vibrant.
• Tom Mueller (online, adjacent property owner): Opposed the project. Raised safety concerns about dangerous traffic on Lakewood Lane (speeding, lack of sidewalk access) and lack of public transportation for residents. Suggested the project was a convenience for the county to dispose of the property.

Discussion Items

• Item 8.2 – Ordinance amending IGA with SWALCO: County Administrator Patrice Sutton presented minor changes (alternate director requirements, chairman also secretary/treasurer, chairman voting on executive committee). Member Wasek commented positively. Staff recommended approval.
• Items 8.3 & 8.4 – Rezoning (R1 to R6) and Preliminary PUD for Midlothian Manor Affordable Housing: Eric Wagner and Tom Shafalow presented. The 2.56-acre parcel (former nursing home, now LCHA offices) is in unincorporated Lake Zurich. Proposed 48-unit affordable rental development using state tax credits (LIHTC). ZBA recommended approval 7-0. Public comments heard. Motion to approve both items combined (moved by Member Kenishnik, seconded by Compos). Members expressed support for affordable housing goals and noted the project's alignment with county priorities.
• Item 8.5 – Ordinance amending UDO for sustainable energy facilities: Christopher Brown presented amendments required by the Illinois Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act (SERGA). Introduced energy storage systems as a new principal use, updated public hearing timeline (60 days max), conditional use permit criteria, and landscaping requirements for solar. ZBA unanimously recommended approval. Member Frank asked about definition tightness; Brown confirmed. Member Wasek asked about environmental review; Brown referenced existing protections (EcoCAT, natural resource standards). Approved.
• Item 8.6 – Joint resolution amending land development fee schedule: Brief amendment to align permit fees for commercial solar, wind, and energy storage with state statute. Approved.
• Director's Report (Eric Wagner):
  • Data center moratorium: ZBA voted unanimously to recommend approval of the moratorium text amendment; will come to committee next week for full board in September.
  • Housing Lake webinars: Continued stakeholder engagement on four pillars (communications, policy, partnerships, financing).
  • ADU text amendment: Staff plans to bring a resolution directing ZBA to hold public hearings on relaxing accessory dwelling unit rules in unincorporated Lake County (a “bridge amendment” for Housing Lake Phase II).

Key Outcomes

• Item 8.2: Approved by voice vote (moved by Member Compos, seconded by Member Kenishnik).
• Items 8.3 & 8.4: Approved by voice vote (moved by Member Kenishnik, seconded by Member Compos). The motion was amended to combine both items. Will go to full county board on September 8, 2026.
• Item 8.5: Approved by voice vote (moved by Member Wasek, seconded by Member Campos).
• Item 8.6: Approved by voice vote (moved by Member Frank, seconded by Member Wasek).
• The committee acknowledged successful ZBA public hearing on data center moratorium and discussed potential future expansion of public notification distances for certain uses. No formal action taken.