[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-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",[32,75,87,99],{"_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",6174690,"mediaKeyId","5368531-d5e3aca68302c5699788ebfda7d7688c","parentId",5368531,"title","Committee pauses decision on liquor-license transfer for ‘Landing Zone’ near Economy Lodge","audioSeconds",286,"startMs",85000,"endMs",371000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5368531-d5e3aca68302c5699788ebfda7d7688c&start=85&end=371","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5368531-d5e3aca68302c5699788ebfda7d7688c/thumbnail_85000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6174690/Kankakee-City/Kankakee-County/Illinois/Committee-pauses-decision-on-liquor-license-transfer-for-Landing-Zone-near-Economy-Lodge","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6174690-d20f1e3d5a21072102562bf199ebb4fe/orig.mp4?Expires=1770428384&Signature=oelxtlJSrm96fR9YgfB7Ya5tHfuCowoCcod5hmgVTejJ2OQKkkD4LrLRejD9Llq9OTqVP3E5nkuy13JPXDH-8BitFRv6kaPZ5X4Qv67D1BxluOOvuGKeElo8IadO1mQ~RKEZM9jugZBFrdFuCkTZQwDmi4prUCY66s2aeoGi5TCDeTvTyxWJSjAT2EqzssWfLtwGrdIYzWDTiO871fEuhTY-epvmwliC~kumP7EHIwhGX7aNY5F-5R8H7KmYqV26KWB3WmXHvpN1iM6PZZk9CyRwiIrh6ajKtDUUZgmYguCE9MgYs6FMmlw6RllGRjHdInij8vqXOfnTZXJASktMrw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Kankakee, IL","date","2025-07-11T11:49:43Z","article","The Kankakee License and Franchise Committee on July 10 discussed a requested transfer of liquor license No. 70 for a business called the Landing Zone (also described as the Hangar) located at or adjacent to the Economy Lodge on South Route 4552 but took no formal action and left the item on the committee agenda for a later meeting.

Committee members said the prospective purchaser, identified in the packet as Mr. Patel, did not attend. Committee members noted information supplied by the city’s public safety staff showing repeated police calls to the property: committee discussion referenced nine calls since March and about 20 calls in the last year. The committee also repeated city requirements that an owner either live in the city or designate a manager who is a city resident and that the applicant must pass state background checks before a license transfer can proceed.

Alderman Johnson summarized the material provided to the committee and asked whether members wanted to take action. Several aldermen said they preferred to keep the matter on the agenda and request the applicant or a representative return with documentation about management, security and compliance rather than to act in the applicant’s absence.

Alderman discussion touched on security and management questions, and Alderman Marzak noted a potential conflict of interest that would require one member to step out of related deliberations. Alderman Swanson, by prior conversation reported to the committee, said she would be “okay with it” provided the applicant met background and residency requirements. No motion was made; the item will be discussed again at a future committee meeting.

The committee did not grant or deny the transfer, and no motion to approve the transfer passed during the meeting.

Context: Transfer of an on-premises liquor license requires both state and city clearances, including background checks; an applicant who does not reside in Kankakee must either move into city limits or designate a manager who does. Committee members also asked for information about security measures for the property and whether the operator or landlord had added cameras or other protective features; the record shows the applicant was not present to answer those questions.

Ending: The committee kept the transfer request on its agenda and asked the mayor’s office/staff to ensure the applicant or a designated representative appears at the next meeting with documentation of background checks, residency/manager plans and any security upgrades.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of Kankakee - License & Franchise Committee Livestream","oneSentenceSummary","The Kankakee License and Franchise Committee on July 10 discussed a requested transfer of liquor license No. 70 for the Landing Zone (the Hangar) near the Economy Lodge on South Route 4552 but took no formal action and left the request on the agenda for a later meeting.","taxTitle","Kankakee City, Kankakee County, Illinois","taxId",4543,"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},6174685,"Committee clears gaming cafe application at 634 North Entrance to city council after conditions and debate",338,761000,1099000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5368531-d5e3aca68302c5699788ebfda7d7688c&start=761&end=1099","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5368531-d5e3aca68302c5699788ebfda7d7688c/thumbnail_761000.jpg","/articles/6174685/Kankakee-City/Kankakee-County/Illinois/Committee-clears-gaming-cafe-application-at-634-North-Entrance-to-city-council-after-conditions-and-debate","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6174685-86a1db83f6971fee880303d6c612598f/orig.mp4?Expires=1770428384&Signature=lda7wTpPMV0lFQFKv2UrHXr9zpJPH401bs3Orx5gVpUWD5oqHBYtJHbkG-RGirgbctjXF3v-IwGM2FCiTzAKLob3juXUsk0lSsFp0g0hcrrw7WFIVwpW2N5TIU-Fgovbay-3L2UiB89eQ-PE-w8wc~nMC4vCXUu6-TWwCL0eZWhkWFe2YeDt59ThxQIOHf6czxG2B7m5HW5AyB3N~c8fk6yF8I2cOWVaRbXm-AQZzR8Y6MQOyH6WrYnTTdnVvex8DWVCfxOd8KMWXuhT3MzYfajfmSMAKm1smkIz951Wjlj6ghA9z3pvISJTQqigAnyCdwCP6-8jR7~SDDZZ1OPIhg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Kankakee License and Franchise Committee voted on July 10 to forward an application for a gaming café at 634 North Entrance to the mayor’s office and city council, with documentation and regulatory steps to be completed by the applicant before final licensing.

Committee members heard a presentation and an inserted written business plan for Ginny and Elle’s (presented on behalf of owner Rose Dowdy). The plan described a 21-and-older venue offering “premium gaming and gambling experience” with high-performance slot machines, complimentary snacks and beverages and a social gaming environment. The committee record shows the landlord has given approval to the tenant, and the applicant reported the operator and landlord are prepared to make required building adjustments.

Committee members and planning staff confirmed several regulatory steps remain: landlord approval (provided), a conditional-use or zoning review with Director Melissa King’s office as required, and state background checks and other state licensing or regulatory checks. Aldermen asked for documentation of security measures; the applicant described plans for a buzzer-controlled entry, locked doors, and security cameras inside and outside the premises.

Discussion included two recurring themes: a city cap on gaming-cafe permits (the committee was told the city capped gaming cafés at six and currently has five) and policy concerns about adding gaming venues. Alderman Barron said he was wary of adding another gaming café in the community model; other members said they were satisfied the applicant was proceeding through planning and state requirements. The motion to forward the application passed on a roll-call vote, with one recorded “no.” The committee will expect Director King’s office to verify zoning/conditional-use steps and background checks as the application proceeds.

Context: The committee chair explained that the mayor has directed applicants to present to this committee first because the committee review does not cost the applicant money; zoning and planning steps that follow do carry fees and construction costs. The committee’s favorable vote sends the application to full council and then to planning for required permits and inspections.

Ending: The committee forwarded the matter; staff and Director King were expected to follow up with the applicant to ensure required documentation and background checks are completed before final licensing action by the city.","The Kankakee License and Franchise Committee voted July 10 to forward a gaming-cafe application for 634 North Entrance (Ginny and Elle’s) to the mayor’s office and city council, contingent on required zoning, state background checks and security measures.",{"_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},6174675,"Committee reviews definitions and fire-safety rules for group homes, shelters and assisted-living uses",484,2088000,2572000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5368531-d5e3aca68302c5699788ebfda7d7688c&start=2088&end=2572","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5368531-d5e3aca68302c5699788ebfda7d7688c/thumbnail_2088000.jpg","/articles/6174675/Kankakee-City/Kankakee-County/Illinois/Committee-reviews-definitions-and-fire-safety-rules-for-group-homes-shelters-and-assisted-living-uses","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6174675-2d1de6934399e76c9cc73959141a99d3/orig.mp4?Expires=1770428384&Signature=BckW82cjcxR3-kOSezojje776dGzKrrR5rtDDzKLSEAOlOxOQStuL9OWUMpFDBnxFbxqOZd0XPEpLt6KGdmGPnL5kf-CwfqbKMzTKDDtAHfkomGwav1ZAOgrXab1mRWd15EI1gxy2j7hA6TI40JxogK2mOAh7RuHlCfHDn8NxxeXdqALz8xH9p7HFUQhLuBPQy6uWk0ro6hkT3bKU7WowT9YX1nP9LhwwTuCzc1QysT-jBJlDdLIz8clzqwhLXOm8IR2OxkrwjThX88X7MaN8NGlADgMLgCnqOhAL98ST0aJ0siEGmQLou36gfnDgeStHUzv7p4X63wNwFvolvh0HQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","On July 10 the Kankakee License and Franchise Committee received an extended briefing from the city attorney (Attorney Landry) and Fire Chief LaRoche on the city’s definitions and rules for community residences, group homes, rooming and boarding houses, shelter-care facilities and assisted-living uses.

Attorney Landry walked the committee through the municipal definitions that determine where each type of residence is permitted, whether a conditional-use permit is required and what conditions apply. He described a community residence as “a single dwelling occupied on a relatively permanent basis in a family-like atmosphere by a group of unrelated persons with disabilities,” and said such uses must comply with the city’s community residence (group-home) ordinance. He urged aldermen to identify what is actually happening at a particular property—how many occupants, whether paid staff live on site, and whether the use fits one of the ordinance definitions—because those facts determine which zoning and inspection rules apply.

Chief LaRoche explained the fire-safety requirements the department enforces. He told the committee that sprinkler and fire-alarm requirements vary by type and size of facility: for certain group-home categories and shelter uses, sprinkler and alarm systems are required for new construction and for major renovations; the department noted specific occupant thresholds tied to requirements during the discussion. The chief also noted the city’s inspection and enforcement tools, including fire-safety inspections and administrative warrants when necessary.

Aldermen raised concerns that some properties in residential neighborhoods appear to operate as residential-care or recovery homes without clear permitting or adequate disclosure to neighbors. Committee members asked for clearer ordinance language and for research into whether shelter-care facilities or similar uses should remain a permitted use in certain industrial zones or be moved to a conditional-use status. Several aldermen requested the ordinance committee review the zoning chart and the permitted/conditional-use designations and asked staff to clarify the historical basis for current allowances.

Ending: Staff and counsel will bring additional clarification to the ordinance committee on how shelter-care and related uses are zoned and on fire-safety requirements tied to occupant thresholds, new construction and major renovations. The fire department also highlighted remediation options when unpermitted uses present public-safety risks.","The Kankakee License and Franchise Committee on July 10 heard city attorney and fire-department briefing on municipal definitions and fire-safety rules for community residences, group homes, rooming houses, halfway houses and shelter-care facilities.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6174680,"Committee approves forwarding restaurant liquor-license transfer for 815 Lounge with a follow-up meeting condition",288,1731000,2019000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5368531-d5e3aca68302c5699788ebfda7d7688c&start=1731&end=2019","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5368531-d5e3aca68302c5699788ebfda7d7688c/thumbnail_1731000.jpg","/articles/6174680/Kankakee-City/Kankakee-County/Illinois/Committee-approves-forwarding-restaurant-liquor-license-transfer-for-815-Lounge-with-a-follow-up-meeting-condition","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6174680-178d50e03ff596c1600a18fed5e7a73d/orig.mp4?Expires=1770428384&Signature=XhJUjfhevTwpNKAkvZx-EeMuzZc70OJWcuUFzDZftFF7Kb2wGE6XGNG4DqB3Uowf5rTZENoz-WpsdDvPNr3DbC8d6-J8i1D-4axNESaIqBDbFN5iGxs9K7bxeRiQNA~elmoUiEuiKybUnq7SfMD1VGVYCWpGiyo4EX01JiFCsDpZRHxoHfrqb03VM5EZ8PEIiLnbk7tdWEXgiZd~CPu6coWqijMkoPSYl6Wf8byLiOgXg6RcJ6tUH-QCGbjf~rrDlKX09kP2m8o2cEAqmFthJPZgGEudDUP47xA0lkS3HDUzaMEuX0HQSux-BwBHXN~javWP1MaIcK1HZdxLKGfDjA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Kankakee License and Franchise Committee on July 10 approved forwarding a transfer of Class G liquor license No. 119 for a proposed restaurant at the location previously known as 815 Lounge to the mayor’s office and city council, with a condition that the prospective operators meet with Alderman Prude and other aldermen to discuss parking and other neighborhood questions.

Applicants described the proposed operation as a family-owned bar-and-restaurant or cantina that will emphasize food service and operate roughly 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays and later on weekends; they said they hope to open by September if approvals proceed. The prospective operator said he works in the Chicago restaurant industry and that his wife, Angelica, is from Kankakee; neither is a city official.

Alderman Prude said she would like a sit-down meeting with the applicants and Alderman Marshall (and other local aldermen) to discuss parking and neighbor concerns before final city approvals. The committee voted to forward the transfer with that contingency; the chair said the mayor's office would contact applicants and that Director King’s office will follow up on planning steps.

The committee recorded roll-call ayes from multiple aldermen and will expect applicants to meet with Alderman Prude to walk through details about parking and other operational matters before final action by council and planning staff.

Ending: Applicants were advised to coordinate with Alderman Prude and the mayor’s office on a meeting date; planning and inspections will follow as typical for a restaurant conversion.","The License and Franchise Committee voted to forward a transfer request for Class G liquor license No. 119 for a new restaurant at the 815 location to city council, approving the transfer contingent on a follow-up sit-down with Alderman Prude and other aldermen to discuss parking and other details.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Committee pauses decision on liquor-license transfer for ‘Landing Zone’ near Economy Lodge

Committee clears gaming cafe application at 634 North Entrance to city council after conditions and debate

Committee reviews definitions and fire-safety rules for group homes, shelters and assisted-living uses

Committee approves forwarding restaurant liquor-license transfer for 815 Lounge with a follow-up meeting condition