Alderman Advocates for Additional Business Licenses Amid Moratorium Concerns

The City of Kankakee's Ordinance Committee convened on July 26, 2025, to discuss various issues, primarily focusing on the allocation of business licenses within the city. The meeting highlighted concerns regarding fairness in the distribution of licenses among different wards.

The discussion began with an alderman expressing dissatisfaction over the perceived inequity in license distribution, noting that some wards have multiple licenses while others have none. The alderman emphasized the need for additional licenses for their ward, arguing that it was unfair for some areas to have more opportunities than others. This sentiment sparked a debate among committee members about the existing moratorium on new licenses and the implications of lifting it.

Another committee member questioned the rationale behind the moratorium, pointing out that if licenses were to be distributed without strict adherence to the moratorium, it would undermine its purpose. The conversation also touched on specific businesses in various wards, including gas stations and liquor stores, which further complicated the discussion about equitable access to licenses.

Despite the concerns raised, some committee members expressed reluctance to support the request for additional licenses, indicating that there may not be sufficient backing for such a proposal. The committee ultimately decided to refer the matter to the License and Franchise Committee for further consideration, ensuring that all discussions would be documented for future reference.

The meeting concluded with no further questions or concerns, leaving the next steps in the hands of the License and Franchise Committee to address the ongoing issues surrounding business licenses in Kankakee.