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TO: Mayor
FROM: Planning Commission
DATE: October 9, 2015
SUBJECT:
An Ordinance Establishing a Special Sign District for Hollywood Casino located at 1 & 2 W. New York Street (Hollywood Casino Aurora - L15-00818 / AU22/3-15.167-SSD - ES - Ward 6)
PURPOSE:
The Petitioner, Hollywood Casino Aurora is requesting approval of a Special Sign District for property located at 1 and 2 W. New York Street which includes replacing two existing marquee signs with two new marquee signs of similar size on the existing casino building at 1 W. New York. Each marquee sign is approximately 936 sf. including a 178 sf. high resolution electronic message center to replace the existing manual reader board. The valet parking blade sign across the street at 2 W. New York Street will replace the existing sign and be of similar size (244 sf.) and match the marquee signs in style and material.
BACKGROUND:
The original Hollywood Casino signs were approved as part of a Special Use in 1992, prior to the FoxWalk Overlay District adoption. Zoning is Downtown Core. On September 10, the Design Review Committee of the FoxWalk Overlay District unanimously recommended Approval of this request to the Planning Commission, and no action will be taken on the FoxWalk COA permits until City Council action.
DISCUSSION:
Staff has had discussions with the casino representatives, and they have provided the required documents. This proposal will upgrade signs that are 23 years old and will utilize modern technology with the use of LED lighting and high resolution EMC’s. The colors will be in keeping with the Hollywood brand. They are looking at possibly coming in at a later date to make appropriate changes to the color of the buildings to be in keeping with this new branding. Staff feels this will be a much more modern, classy, and less distracting sign than the current flashing, scrolling type of marquee sign currently in place. This will be more in keeping with the intent of the FoxWalk District and is also of a very unique nature in the downtown.
POLICIES AND GUIDELINES :
The Staff’s evaluation and recommendation is based on Sec. 4.1 Commercial Signage Regulations: General Provisions of the FoxWalk Overlay District Guidelines: “The FoxWalk Overlay District is intended to be an attractive, inviting, pedestrian-oriented place. Establishing and maintaining architectural integrity and historic character of buildings within the FoxWalk Overlay District is essential to accomplishing this objective. Signage shall blend with, rather than dominate, the design of each building.”
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Planning Commission recommended APPROVAL of the Special Sign District for two new marquee signs and one valet parking blade sign at 1 & 2 W. New York Street.
ATTACHMENTS:
Exhibit A Legal Description
Exhibit B Special Sign District
Property Research Sheet
Planning Council Report
Land Use Petition
cc: Alderman Saville, Chairman
Alderman Donnell
Alderman Irvin
Alderman Hart-Burns, Alternate
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
ORDINANCE NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
title
An Ordinance Establishing a Special Sign District for Hollywood Casino located at 1 & 2 W. New York Street
body
WHEREAS, the City of Aurora has a population of more than 25,000 persons and is, therefore, a home rule unit under subsection (a) of Section 6 of Article VII of the Illinois Constitution of 1970; and
WHEREAS, subject to said Section, a home rule unit may exercise any power and perform any function pertaining to its government and affairs for the protection of the public health, safety, morals, and welfare; and
WHEREAS, Hollywood Casino Aurora is the owner of record of the real estate property legally described on Exhibit “A”, attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth; and
WHEREAS, Hollywood Casino Aurora filed a Special Sign District petition with the City of Aurora on September 3, 2015, requesting to create a Special Sign District for the Hollywood Casino and Parking Garage, as described in Exhibit “B” for property legally described in Exhibit “A”; and
WHEREAS, on September 10, 2015, the FoxWalk Design Review Committee conducted a meeting and recommended APPROVAL of the Certificate of Appropriateness for said signage; and
WHEREAS, after referral of said petition from the Aurora City Council, and after due notice and publication of said notice, the Aurora Planning Commission conducted a public hearing on October 7, 2015, and recommended APPROVAL of the Special Sign District; and
WHEREAS, on October 15, 2015, the Planning and Development Committee of the Aurora City Council reviewed said Special Sign District and the before mentioned recommendations and recommended APPROVAL of said petition; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, Section One: That the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois finds as fact all of the preamble recitals of this Ordinance.
Section Two: In accordance with the Aurora Sign Ordinance, Chapter 41 Sec. 41-14. and Sec. 41-16 (6), a Special Sign District as described in Exhibit “B” is hereby granted for the real estate property legally described in Exhibit “A”.
Section Three: That this Ordinance shall be in full force and effect, and shall be controlling, upon its passage and approval.
Section Four: That any section, phrase or paragraph of this Ordinance that is construed to be invalid, void or unconstitutional shall not affect the remaining sections, phrases or paragraphs of this Ordinance which shall remain in full force and effect.