[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6272094,"mediaKeyId","3028138-e79a6c9fed93809c5d2b0c952f84e026","parentId",3028138,"title","Council approves transfer of Class B liquor license to Tony’s Bar & Grill despite police-service concerns","audioSeconds",188,"startMs",4820000,"endMs",5008000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3028138-e79a6c9fed93809c5d2b0c952f84e026&start=4820&end=5008","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3028138-e79a6c9fed93809c5d2b0c952f84e026/thumbnail_4820000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6272094/Joliet/Will-County/Illinois/Council-approves-transfer-of-Class-B-liquor-license-to-Tonys-Bar-Grill-despite-police-service-concerns","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6272094-c930e5f723ec3ab73441e93f6c342cb0/orig.mp4?Expires=1771158838&Signature=cV~R9N-JoEj-wrDawx3O-Lg9AN1~2uZorOvPyUP~yAGy8ofItJf9ZQU6z3RbvXecZ2hF91ceEjW1bl6ycFZXFgSYJuiyRT5WIvJk30sTpfICqRHQAoADkzk5nwNUOHlOgKt-hVf6JwYejN5EUOFkVm4eeAFYc5nW3CWKph-UpaSsGgfXJEb3CwZ1BBLMLg7WGNCQ7GWH4D0tc9qyf1BzhoZhvE6NlLYJhb0pUCbbGOpOw2QOQfYqSe4DZQXOV-kZDJeERZsKe2GlTZpXH966uSmAscQIZctzHDpyc4no0Hj4VSGAUEcWTDP~u5Dfv-wAEIFi4JzkFVfUgYRFIDFMRQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Joliet, IL","date","2025-04-17T00:27:57.113Z","article","The Joliet City Council on April 15 approved the transfer of a Class B liquor license for 926 Gardner Street (Tony’s Bar & Grill) after council members who reviewed the prospective new owner said he operates well-run establishments elsewhere.

Why it matters: Liquor-license transfers can affect neighborhood quality and public-safety workloads; one council member said the location has a history of police calls and opposed the transfer on that basis.

Council review and comments: Councilmembers who met with the prospective owner said he runs well-managed bars in other towns and that they believed he would be a constructive presence in Joliet. Councilman Joe (mover not specified) and Councilwoman Rivera reviewed the application and recommended approval; the council’s discussion noted past attempts to run a successful bar at that location and emphasized the potential for new ownership to stabilize operations.

Opposition: One council member said the police department had recorded 22 calls for service to the site under prior ownership and announced a no vote on that basis.

Vote and outcome: The council voted to approve the license transfer. Recorded votes on the meeting record included yes votes from Councilman Mudrin, Councilwoman Reardon, Councilman Cardenas, Councilman Clement, Councilman Guerrero, Councilman Hugg, Councilman Navarro and Mayor Terry Darcy; Councilman Quillman voted no. The mayor declared the motion carried.

Clarifying details: Council members said the prospective buyer will own the real estate and operate the business; the city’s standard licensing review and police background checks remain part of the transfer process.

Next steps: The license transfer was approved at the council level; the new owner must complete any remaining local licensing steps and comply with operational and public-safety requirements.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of Joliet Council Meeting April 15, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The council approved a transfer of a Class B liquor license for 926 Gardner Street to a prospective new owner, with one council member voting no citing prior police-service calls at the location.","taxTitle","Joliet, Will County, Illinois","taxId",2650,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6272099,"Council approves adult-use cannabis dispensary at 2121 W. Jefferson after debate over medical benefits and local impact",4070,2554000,6624000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3028138-e79a6c9fed93809c5d2b0c952f84e026&start=2554&end=6624","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3028138-e79a6c9fed93809c5d2b0c952f84e026/thumbnail_2554000.jpg","/articles/6272099/Joliet/Will-County/Illinois/Council-approves-adult-use-cannabis-dispensary-at-2121-W-Jefferson-after-debate-over-medical-benefits-and-local-impact","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6272099-47a0e716701fd8558192b5765240fbef/orig.mp4?Expires=1771158838&Signature=WZHX9OBBtlLS2xIHZS7MN2tL2QMxjWuwZSQ-lutcTT97xU40q9pcsXfonQsbpJKSyLa0UkKZi-Pu~11N3wBMpmuhbBJs-3jsvFb8J7wuajnpx08XQKNPl4nURFL9TvzXfaKsqB4ykkVVh0J0ZXE48iOgVE1d5rvI-4VHi7S8E2RSZ9h0b1Fv4f~gqBzd1YT26F7Vmze1IG3UDP44mlYJDOf3n4UvUaOt-BVfFObqoQMVj-sTmEnmr7VFZLSNk9Xvp5nlMgh7hfXGQGPnt9pmVE9Kb33uqOMICjoDtt9pGHNzCsP0SpAhDijlP2FOCAM~wN6J5Kn5IRfktb2v5Kbrkg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Joliet City Council on April 15 adopted an ordinance approving a special-use permit for an adult-use cannabis dispensary at 2121 West Jefferson Street.

Why it matters: The dispensary decision responds to both medical need and economic development questions on Jefferson Avenue, a corridor council members described as a priority for retail and restaurant growth. Supporters cited medical cases and potential downtown spillover spending; opponents raised neighborhood impacts and questioned whether Jefferson is the right site.

Public comment and evidence: Several residents spoke during the public-comment period. Jack Romanski, who said he has lived in the Marycrest neighborhood since 1971, opposed putting a dispensary on Jefferson, saying it sits near schools and is in his neighborhood. A medical cardholder, Kaylee Matter, told the council she must travel to the city’s far west side to fill prescriptions and would welcome a closer location. Another speaker argued that dispensaries have robust security and can reduce street crime because the facilities are heavily monitored.

Council debate: Councilman Carlos Guerrero delivered a detailed statement in favor of approving the dispensary, saying medical marijuana has helped constituents and arguing that fears about homelessness and crime were misplaced because dispensaries operate with extensive security measures and are unlikely to be a site where people experiencing homelessness would buy product legally. Councilman Joe Clement and Councilwoman Susanna Quillman (a nurse) also supported approval; Quillman explicitly noted medical benefits. Councilman Larry Hugg reiterated long-standing concerns about the state’s licensing statute and said he has consistently voted against retail sales because he believes the state law is “critically flawed.” Councilwoman Sherry Reardon said she has supported dispensaries before but expressed reservations during discussion.

Vote and outcome: The ordinance approving a special-use permit for an adult-use cannabis dispensary at 2121 West Jefferson passed on council roll call. Recorded on the meeting record as voting aye were Councilman Clement, Councilman Guerrero, Councilwoman Navarro, Councilman Mudrin, Councilwoman Quillman, Councilman Cardenas and Mayor Terry Darcy; Councilman Hugg registered a no vote. The mayor declared the motion carried.

Clarifying details from the meeting: Council discussion noted that Illinois initially permitted medical cannabis and later allowed recreational sales; speakers discussed both medical and recreational retail availability. Council members and staff said the facility will be subject to state licensing, local permitting, and security and reporting requirements. Several council members urged using tax proceeds and economic development opportunities to address social challenges such as homelessness.

Next steps and context: With the council’s approval, the property at 2121 W. Jefferson may move to final permitting and state licensing steps required for operation. Council members asked staff to continue to monitor local impacts and emphasized enforcement of local code and security conditions attached to the permit.

Votes at a glance: Ordinance approving a special-use permit for an adult-use cannabis dispensary at 2121 W Jefferson — approved (motion carried).","The council voted to approve a special-use permit permitting an adult-use cannabis dispensary at 2121 West Jefferson Street, after council members debated medical uses, security and local economic impacts and residents offered mixed testimony.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6272103,"Joliet council approves amended Prairie Landing subdivision plan after residents press for tree protections and drainage guarantees",3257,2487000,5744000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3028138-e79a6c9fed93809c5d2b0c952f84e026&start=2487&end=5744","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3028138-e79a6c9fed93809c5d2b0c952f84e026/thumbnail_2487000.jpg","/articles/6272103/Joliet/Will-County/Illinois/Joliet-council-approves-amended-Prairie-Landing-subdivision-plan-after-residents-press-for-tree-protections-and-drainage-guarantees","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6272103-a0e828e7fe1d57c7fc1c3e424a107299/orig.mp4?Expires=1771158838&Signature=btImyY0RmilBQZ9OAoUIN6NRp4nEzJwlo70KF45iJqEcIonVjhGuQ9MSUbXNk8bEBKwZ0Q05B-REQamPaUfy09oHtQjXlhDZESF0AMus8MVhNGnIi2LkoN-~eYwa6~OW0um7nDjwLLLd0kLIKdzLjVhtd1WgiHse1MviGSSqk5y7foHWyN7RBju-rREtXZgTegqITa22C0g3YPr5lARkAjDGDqQ3EXIjHDbPl~musuWuv352~XQM2jjmaSo59ukqLjaZwmpoHZM2G1cj2TTzPbVroOwuGSlKuNtst7c5WXt8mONN6SS8M1QOgs~wDeFGMTIIUySJWarJCTMs2PZ~KA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Joliet City Council on April 15 adopted amended ordinances approving the Prairie Landing planned unit development and the subdivision’s amended recording plat after negotiations preserved a strip of trees and clarified stormwater responsibilities.

The council voted to accept the amended final planned unit development and the amended plat tied to council memo 258-25. Council members said the amendment formalizes an agreement to preserve a narrow parcel of trees requested by an adjacent property owner and does not alter the project’s flood-management requirements.

Why it matters: The project affects multiple neighborhoods and had drawn repeated public comment and several days of informal meetings after neighbors raised flooding, tree loss and school rezoning concerns. The plan also triggers future engineering and permitting steps that will determine how drainage and construction are carried out on land that residents say has historically drained onto their properties.

Council discussion and vote: Councilman Larry Hugg, the district council member, said engineering plans meet federal, state and local water-management requirements and that staff and the developer must “hold their feet to the fire” to ensure implementation. Councilwoman Susanna Quillman and Councilman Joe Clement urged continued oversight; Clement said the proposal represents “the best use for this property,” given alternatives such as apartments or warehouses had been considered.

The council made a formal motion to accept the amended ordinance and plat; after debate the motion carried. Named council members who stated votes on the record during the roll call or discussion included Councilwoman Quillman (aye), Councilman Cardenas (aye), Councilman Clement (aye), Councilman Guerrero (aye), Councilman Navarro (aye), Councilman Mudrin (aye) and Mayor Terry Darcy (aye). No recorded roll-call “no” votes were called out in the meeting record; the mayor declared the motion carried.

Public comment and concerns: Dozens of residents spoke during the public-comment period and the Prairie Landing public hearing. Concerns included:
- Longstanding flooding and drainage onto yards near Vimy Ridge and adjacent subdivisions; residents asked the city to require the developer and engineering firm to complete detailed tie-ins and ongoing maintenance of drains.
- Tree loss and habitat: resident Maria Lecke told the council she and neighbors secured protections for a band of more than 40 trees and urged the council to preserve other tree cover; the amendment reflected an agreement to reserve a strip of trees owned by the Lecke family.
- Infrastructure and services: neighbors asked about school rezoning and grocery/retail capacity if the development adds new households.

Developer obligations and next steps: City staff and developer representatives said the amendment does not change the project’s engineered flood-management plans. The developer (identified in the meeting as Doctor Horton) and Manhart Engineering met with residents before the council meeting; staff said further inspection, permits and on-site adjustments during construction are likely and that the city will review and enforce the approved engineering plan.

Clarifying details from the meeting: the amendment preserves a narrow, privately owned strip of trees (negotiated with property owner Maria Lecke); the engineering plan remains subject to federal, state and local stormwater requirements; developer-led construction will require additional permits, on-site inspections and final tie-ins to existing drains identified by Manhart Engineering.

Where this leaves residents: Council members urged ongoing communication and said staff will monitor implementation. Several speakers said they would continue outreach to the city manager and engineering staff to get periodic updates.

Votes at a glance: Ordinances associated with Prairie Landing Subdivision (council memo 258-25) — motion to adopt amended final PUD and amended recording plat: approved (motion carried).","The Joliet City Council adopted amended ordinances approving the Prairie Landing planned unit development and recording plat after residents and council members negotiated a change to preserve a tree strip and staff outlined engineering, drainage and oversight measures.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council approves transfer of Class B liquor license to Tony’s Bar & Grill despite police-service concerns

Council approves adult-use cannabis dispensary at 2121 W. Jefferson after debate over medical benefits and local impact

Joliet council approves amended Prairie Landing subdivision plan after residents press for tree protections and drainage guarantees