Planning commission approves Hillel Torah site plan, grants two variances

The Skokie Planning Commission unanimously approved a site-plan application March 5 for Hillel Torah North Suburban Day School at 7120 Laramie Avenue, clearing the way for a 2,485-square-foot addition that will house administrative offices, a centralized reception and a secure vestibule.

Planning staff summarized the request (case 2026-02P) and recommended approval with conditions. Staff said the school seeks two deviations from the R-2 single-family residential zoning code: formal recognition of existing impermeable surface coverage at 68% where the code limit is 50%, and a reduction in required bicycle parking to 2% of student enrollment (8 spaces proposed) rather than the 10% the code would otherwise require (35 spaces based on enrollment of 355). Staff noted the site already exceeded the code maximum prior to the proposal (approximately 67.2%), and the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) had determined no additional stormwater volume-control or detention measures were required for the proposed work.

The petitioner’s project team, represented by Stuart Brodsky of White and Company Architects and project architect Jennifer Slasky, described the work as limited in scope and focused on building security, improved sightlines and façade and landscaping enhancements visible from Laramie Avenue. The team said the project will enclose two interior courtyards (roughly 800 square feet total between them) that are now used as light wells and storage; the enclosed space will be repurposed for offices and a student resource room. The petitioners said existing drop-off patterns and morning and afternoon traffic controls — including school monitors and coordination with the Skokie Police Department — will continue.

Commissioners asked staff and the project team about parking, easements and the courtyard enclosures. Staff confirmed an access easement agreement with the adjacent Hebrew Theological College provides access to about 60 additional spaces that help meet parking needs; staff said the village had not received resident complaints regarding parking for this site. The commission also reviewed recommended conditions requiring that development substantially conform to final village-approved plans, that faded parking and pavement markings be replaced, that existing easements remain unobstructed, and that a proposed monument sign be installed only after a certificate of appropriateness from the Village of Skokie Appearance Commission.

A motion to approve the site-plan request was made, seconded and approved by voice vote. The commission recorded unanimous approval. Chairman Luke noted the commission’s decision must be ratified by the Village Board at a subsequent meeting (the Village Board meets on the first and third Mondays). Commissioners complimented the school and applicants on the proposed improvements.

Next steps: the applicant team said it has an application pending with the Appearance Commission and plans to begin construction in summer 2026 if permitting proceeds on schedule, with completion expected late 2026 or into January 2027. The case will proceed to the Village Board for final action.