Council advances two downtown development items: 7 Brew drive-through plan and auto-repair special-use request

The Lockport City Council reviewed two development and zoning items and agreed to place both on a future consent agenda for final action.

Planning staff described an application (ordinance 25-002) for a special-use permit to operate an auto-repair shop in an existing 1,200-square-foot concrete-block building zoned C-2 (community commercial). Staff said the previous auto-repair use had lapsed after a year of inactivity, and the current applicant proposed small-scale general auto repair with a focus on classic BMWs and occasional internet-based vehicle sales by appointment only; no outdoor vehicle display was planned. The plan was recommended by the Plan Zoning Commission with six conditions, and the applicant introduced himself to council members during the meeting.

Separately, the council reviewed a revised development plan for Lot 9B of Lockport Square: a proposed roughly 525-square-foot preconstructed modular commercial building with a detached 250-square-foot cooler unit and a double-drive-through kiosk for 7 Brew (the applicant's franchisee company identified as Hubro/Hoob Roux Illinois III LLC). Chris George, identified as a franchisee with Hubro, said 7 Brew is "a drive-through only concept." He described the brand as focused on beverage customization, a largely younger customer base, and customer engagement strategies; the proposed site plan includes double drive-through lanes and no indoor service.

Planning staff noted much of the site’s landscaping and perimeter work was already installed from an earlier, unbuilt project. The Plan Zoning Commission recommended approval of the amended preliminary and final development plan; at the council meeting staff asked that the item be added to the next meeting’s consent agenda for final action. Council members asked about circulation, heating options for staff working outdoors in winter, and market differentiation from other local coffee and beverage providers.

What the council decided Council members indicated support for placing both items on a future consent agenda for final action. For the 7 Brew application, a council member asked, "Are there any questions about the circulation?" and after a short discussion the council agreed to move the item to consent. For the auto-repair special-use permit staff requested action or placement on the consent agenda at the next meeting.

Why it matters If approved on consent at the next meeting, the 7 Brew drive-through will add a new quick-service beverage kiosk (double drive-through, no indoor seating) to Lockport Square and may change traffic circulation for the private access drive. The auto-repair special-use permit would reestablish small-scale vehicle repair at an existing commercial building and permit limited internet-based vehicle sales by appointment only.

Next steps Both items were set to be added to the council’s consent agenda for final action at the next scheduled meeting; staff will prepare the necessary ordinance and contract paperwork. The Plan Zoning Commission hearing for these items took place March 11, where both were recommended for approval.