Plan Commission Meeting - April 21, 2026

The Plainfield Plan Commission met on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at 7:01 PM in the Village Boardroom. The meeting included approval of previous minutes, a development report, and concept plan reviews for two proposals: DHL Supply Chain at Ridge Rd & 143rd St, and Helix Engineering at Lockport St & Village Center Dr.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of the minutes from the April 7, 2026 Plan Commission meeting was approved unanimously via voice vote.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Gary Hostert (adjacent property owner to DHL site): Expressed desire to stay informed about landscaping/buffering and to coordinate access for his own future commercial development at Ridge and Plainfield Road. He urged the commission to ensure adequate buffering for nearby homes, noting that residents are “not happy” with the industrial trend but he accepts it.
• Don Hudzik (representing Plainfield Village Square): Raised concerns that the proposed 41 parking spaces for the Helix project are insufficient, especially if the second building becomes a restaurant. He argued the minimum parking requirement for office and restaurant should be 75 spaces (citing state ordinance), and that there is no on-street parking. He also warned that the eastern access from Village Center Drive will worsen already severe congestion at the intersection, exacerbated by cut-through traffic from apartments. He urged the commission to require full parking compliance.

Development Report (from Jonathan Crew, Staff)

• Village Board reapproved final plats for Wallin Woods, Arnita Square, and Woodman's site. The Woodman's site had been before the Plan Commission recently.
• Village approved a 6-month moratorium on data center development due to outdated 2006 zoning code, pending new Unified Development Ordinance.
• Plainfield Historical Society received a financial donation for a museum in the former Phillips 66 station on Route 59.
• Committee of the Whole reviewed industrial development at NWC of Lockport St/126 and Steiner Road, with generally favorable feedback.

Discussion Items

1. DHL Supply Chain (Case 2125 -031326.CP) – Concept Plan

• Location / Description: Northeast corner of Ridge Rd and 143rd St; 138 acres; proposed multi-building industrial development (approx. 2 million sq ft, building heights 50-60 ft). Applicant DHL has control of two parcels previously proposed separately. Site currently zoned R1/B1 but designated industrial in 2024 Comprehensive Plan.
• Access: Three access points – one full access on 143rd St aligning with existing south side access, one full access on Ridge Rd between Johnson Rd and 143rd, and one right-in/right-out on Ridge Rd. Deceleration lanes on Ridge (and possibly 143rd) will be studied.
• Staff Position: Supportive; noting improved access, consistency with Comprehensive Plan, and proper right-of-way for Waikadduke Trail.
• Applicant's Presentation: Vince Rosanova (attorney) and Matt Yang (DHL) presented. They emphasized DHL's experience (23M sq ft developed, 6,000 jobs), and that the plan allows user flexibility. They committed to an 80-foot landscape buffer (above 60-fooot code minmum), evergreen screening, and coordination with staff on architecture/elevations.
• Commissioner Comments:
  • Buffering to north (Playa Vista subdivision) was the top concern; all commissioners stressed maximizing screening and vegetation.
  • Traffic / truck stacking: qustions on sufficiency of one full access, need for decelerion lanes, and on-site stacking capacity. Applicant said internal circulation and stacking are designed to avoid backup on public roads.
  • Noise and light: Applicant agreed to meet village's strict photometric limits (0.5 foot-candles at property line) and noted that sound levels will depend on future users.
  • Architecture: Encouraged varied elevations, glasing, and color paletes to create an attractive corridor.
• Outcome: Concept plan accepted; formal rezoning and site plan application to follow.

2. Helix Engineering (Case 2126-032726.CP) – Concept Plan

• Location / Description: 24420 W. Lockport St (0.8 acres, NWC of Lockport St & Village Center Dr). Two buildings: Building A (1.5 stories, office for Helix Engineering – ~20-30 employees, hybrid schedule and field staff reduce daily occupancy); Building B (1 story, flex restaurant/office/retail). Total 41 parking spaces (including 2 handicap and some parallel parking on access drive).
• Staff Analysis: Minimal parking requirement is 57 spaces if Building B is restaurant (1/100 sf), or 42-43 if office (1/300 sf). The site has 41 spaces, so a shortfall of 2-16 spaces depending on use. Staff suggested potential solutions: shared parking agreement with west property, combining buildings (nets only 4 more spaces), or reconfiguring lot.
• Applicant's Presentation: Jake Bean (architect) and Antonia Laurian (project manager) presented. Helix Engineering currently located in downtown Plainfield. Design aims to extend downtown pedestrian scale with glassy frontage, exposed steel, and a breezeway. Parking shortfall acknowledged; applicant noted that if Building B becomes restaurant, the leasee may later be office. They expressed openness to shared parking.
• Public Comment: Don Hudzik (Plainfield Village Square) argued that the proposed 41 spaces are insufficient, that the intersection is already clogged, and that the eastern access will worsen cut-through traffic. He urged full parking requirement compliance.
• Commissioner Comments:
  • Parking was the central issue. Multiple commissioners noted that even two extra spaces could be found (e.g., near the dumpster). Chairman Minnes suggested revisiting angled parking instead of parallel to gain spaces.
  • Commissioner Fahim questioned why buildings are set back with parking in front; applicant cited easeements and desire for a street wall. Commissioners praised the design as attractive and consistent with downtown vision.
  • Concerns about noise, light, and screening to north multifamily – applicant committed to 8-foor solid fence and evergreen plantings; staff will work on enhanced landscaping.
  • Commissioner Stodgill stated he would not support any plan requiring a parking variance from the minimum.
  • Fire department turnaround at dead-end near Building B was questioned; applicant noted it is designed for truck turning.
• Outcome: Concept plan received generally favorable feedback but parking remains unresolved. Commission directed applicant to work with staff on parking solutions (shared agreements, reconfiguration) and enhance landscaping. No formal vote; concept plan only.

Key Outcomes

• No formal votes were taken; both items were concept plan discussions.
• DHL: Commission gave guidance on buffering, architecture, and traffic; formal application expected.
• Helix: Commission expressed conditional support pending resolution of parking deficiency. Applicant to explore shared parking and parking lot redesign with staff.
• Next Plan Commission meeting: May 5, 2026 at 7:00 PM.