Story posted Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Officials, Residents Debate Generators
By CRAIG ADAMS Journal & Topics Reporter
Park Ridge residents may soon have more places to put emergency electric generators after the Park Ridge City Council on Monday, June 29 approved first reading of several proposed changes to the zoning ordinance during a meeting lasting into the wee hours of Tuesday morning.
Aldermen argued long and heard many people from the audience regarding the generators. They discussed how far a generator should be from a property line and finally agreed to a distance of five feet. They considered limiting generators to only natural gas fueled, discussed noise limits, and questioned if manufacturer's specifications on noise were sufficient or if contractors must certify noise levels upon installation.
Several residents spoke to the council including one man who threw a pile of paperwork in the direction of Community Preservation and Development Director Carrie Davis. That move earned the resident a strong rebuke from Mayor Dave Schmidt.
Other residents pointed out the generators, unlike air conditioners, would only be used during emergencies and usually once a week for about seven minutes during testing.
"Right now, people are breaking out the gas generators and people are throwing extension cords over the fence," explained Charlie Melidosian. "There are planes flying overhead at more than 65 dB."
After aldermen seemed to agree on wording, Davis pointed out discrepancies in the proposed ordinance. Council members asked staff to reword the ordinance with the new requirements for further discussion before second reading and final approval.
The council also approved several other text amendments including allowing physical therapy offices in B1 retail districts, modifying the requirement for off-street parking for outdoor cafés, and further defining view obstructions at intersections.
They also eliminated an amendment calling for the prohibition of pole signs for businesses.
After discussion, aldermen referred back to committee a change to extensions for planned developments.
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