Plainfield Plan Commission Meeting – August 18, 2026

The Plainfield Plan Commission met on August 18, 2026, at 7:00 PM in the Village Boardroom to consider the Helix Engineering site plan review (Case 2141-062926.SPR) for 24420 W. Lockport Street. The meeting included approval of prior minutes, a deferred development report, and a public comment. After discussion of parking, access, and design, the commission voted 3-2 to recommend approval subject to staff stipulations.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: The minutes of the July 21, 2026, Plan Commission meeting were approved by voice vote.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Don Hudzik (representing Town Square property, west of the site) expressed concern that the proposed 45 parking spaces only meet the minimum requirement (43 required) and noted existing parking shortages in the area, especially during winter. He questioned whether the applicant would meet with Town Square to discuss easement agreements.
• Applicant Response: John Logan (Helix Engineering) stated they are willing to meet with neighbors and are actively working with the Van Dyke Place developer to adjust a cross-access agreement to the west and explore a shared parking agreement.

Discussion Items

• Staff Report (Steve Brau, Village Planner): The site plan is consistent with B5 zoning and the comprehensive plan. Staff noted the applicant incorporated prior recommendations: angled parking (changed from 6 parallel to 10 spaces), expanded evergreen screening along the northern residential property line, adjusted lighting away from residences, and fire marshal approval for turning radii. The project includes two buildings (total ~12,800 sq ft) for office and flex retail use.
• Commissioner Questions:
  • Commissioner Fahim inquired about tenant types (speculative), HVAC location (rooftop), hours of operation (7 AM–5 PM typical), and parking calculations (based on full occupancy at 43 required spaces). He raised concerns about the ability to obtain easements and asked about traffic studies (none conducted).
  • Commissioner Nicholson appreciated the concept plan revisions and encouraged continued neighbor meetings, noting that parking demand may fluctuate with field staff and work-from-home.
  • Commissioner Campanella commended the screening and building aesthetics but sought clarification on "Lot 9" (an undeveloped lot to the southwest).
  • Commissioner Heinen (not present for concept plan) focused on parking safety: he opposed the angled parking on the eastern drive aisle due to safety concerns, advocated for a professional parking study to explore shared parking agreements with adjacent properties (west and east), and suggested land-banking the angled parking stalls to reduce impervious surface. He noted that if shared parking cannot be arranged, the project may be too dense.
  • Commissioner Wagner asked about fire truck access and turning radius; the applicant confirmed Plainfield’s fire department reviewed the plan and found it acceptable.
• Chairman Minnes echoed the need for a parking study and emphasized working with neighboring partners to ensure adequate parking.

Key Outcomes

• Motion: Commissioner Heinen moved to recommend approval of the Helix Engineering site plan review subject to the four stipulations in the staff report (including a shared parking agreement with Van Dyke Place). Commissioner Nicholson seconded.
• Vote: The motion passed on a roll call vote of 3-2 (Commissioners Heinen, Nicholson, and Wagner in favor; Commissioners Fahim and Chairman Minnes opposed; Commissioner Campanella’s vote not recorded in the transcript, but the result was 3-2).
• Next Steps: The applicant will continue working with staff, the fire department, and neighboring property owners on easements and a potential parking study. The recommendation will go to the Village Board. The next Plan Commission meeting is scheduled for September 1, 2026, at 7:00 PM.