On the recommendation of the Cook County Planning Commission Cook County commissioners voted unanimously to deny Bailey and Joe Hutchence’s interim use request to establish a public recreational area within a FAR-2 (residential) district just off of the Pike Lake Road.
The vote came at the board’s August 27 meeting.
On August 14 the planning commission held a public hearing on the Hutchence request to establish a glampground in the Pike Lake area on 42.1 acres of property the Duluth couple own.
Joe and Bailey were proposing to create a recreational area accommodating up to 18 guests within an eight-unit glampground. The tented cabins were going to be available for short-term rental and were to be tucked away on the property, offering privacy and solitude.
Many of the Hutchences’ Pike Lake neighbors appeared before the planning commission at the August 14 meeting, and all of them were opposed to the glampground. Most of the opposition came from those who wanted the area to stay residential.
Following testimony from the neighbors and Bailey Hutchence, the planning commission voted to recommend that the county board not approve the interim user permit. On Tuesday, August 27, the county board agreed with the recommendation and voted unanimously against approving the CUP.
Commissioners grant Skildum’s interim use permit
After listening to the planning commission’s review and positive recommendation, commissioners voted unanimously to allow Chris Skildum a conditional use permit to convert the now-closed Hill Haven Assisted Living facility into six long-term rental units on property within the R-1 zone district.
Chris and Becky Stoner, owner of Hill Haven, appeared before the planning commission at the August 14 public meeting.
At that public meeting, only one neighbor came forward opposed to the change, stating he was concerned about potential increased vehicle noise.
But Stoner said that when Hill Haven was full, many family members came and went daily, and there wouldn’t necessarily be an increase in traffic noise coming from the property after it had been converted to rental units.
Taking into consideration that affordable housing is in high demand, and noting that Skildum has a good reputation as a builder, the planning commission voted unanimously to forward their recommendation to the county board to grant the CUP.
The planning commission did add, however, certain conditions to their recommendation.
1)A minimum of one parking space will be required for each residential unit.
2)Upon satisfaction of the contract for deed, it will be the responsibility of Skildum to update all property information reflecting property ownership by Hestia Unfolded LLC.
3)Upon the sale of the property, Chris will have 60 days to review the CUP with Land Services.
Chris, who will be purchasing Hill Haven on a contract for deed, agreed the leases would not be less than one month in duration.
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