Kankakee City Council approves zoning amendment and welcomes new police officers

The Kankakee City Council meeting on May 7, 2025, focused on several key issues, including the approval of minutes from the previous meeting and a significant zoning map amendment.

The meeting began with the approval of the minutes from the April 21, 2025, session, which passed unanimously with a vote of 12-0. Following this, the council addressed a zoning map amendment for the property located at 671 North Chicago Avenue. The proposal sought to rezone the area from single-family residential (R1) to two-family residential (R2). Director King reported that the Planning Commission had reviewed the request and recommended it for approval during a hearing on April 15.

Alderman Malone Marshall moved to suspend the rules to allow for the immediate passage of the ordinance, which was seconded by Alderman Jones. The motion passed with another unanimous vote of 12-0. Subsequently, the council placed the ordinance on final reading, which also received unanimous approval.

In addition to the zoning discussion, the meeting featured a presentation by the Kankakee Police Department, introducing three new officers: Joseph Xavier Gubbins IV, Tyler Ray Rood, and Kahari Dwan Carter Gardner. Chief Kidwell welcomed the officers, marking a significant addition to the department.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the council's commitment to community development and public safety, with the successful passage of the zoning amendment and the introduction of new law enforcement personnel.