Plan and Zoning Commission recommends approval for Wendy's at Springs at Lockport with conditions

LOCKPORT, Ill. — The City of Lockport Plan and Zoning Commission voted April 8 to recommend approval of an amendment to the Springs at Lockport planned commercial development, a final resubdivision creating three lots, and final development plans for a 2,152-square-foot Wendy's restaurant with a drive‑thru.

City planning staff presented the proposal and said the subject property — Lot 2 of the Springs at Lockport — is about 2.76 acres and is generally located north of 150 Ninth Street, east of Adelman Road and west of I‑355. The proposal would split Lot 2 into three smaller lots and place the Wendy's on Lot 1. "The plan illustrates that the development will include a 2,152 square foot stand alone commercial building with drive thru for a Wendy's restaurant," planning staff said during the presentation.

Why it matters: the project adds a new commercial tenant at a high‑traffic intersection adjacent to apartments and commercial centers and includes curb, sidewalk and parking decisions that affect pedestrian access and maintenance. Planning staff recommended approval contingent on addressing outstanding engineering and planning comments and on three conditions: that remaining staff review comments be fully addressed before the Committee of the Whole, that tenant deliveries occur on‑site (not on adjacent access roads), and that safety barriers for the outdoor eating area be detailed at building permit.

The commission's discussion focused on site conformity and pedestrian facilities. Staff said the proposed site meets the zoning ordinance's bulk requirements and that parking exceeds the minimum: 11 spaces required, 27 provided. Staff noted an existing cap on pervious surface at about 70 percent and said a narrow turf strip along the west external sidewalk could create future maintenance difficulties. To avoid increasing pervious area, staff supported a five‑foot sidewalk placed at the edge of curb rather than the typical seven‑foot pedestrian zone adjacent to vehicle areas. Staff also said revised engineering drawings must be submitted by April 16.

Applicant Richard Silverman of MJK Real Estate told the commission he has been involved in Lockport developments since 2018 and that "we've seen a need for Wendy's in Lockport for many, many years." He said construction is planned to begin in summer with an opening target in December, and that the current submission is phase one of a multi‑phase development.

Commissioners expressed general support for the plan and compliance with code. One commissioner said, "Everything is completely within the city's code, which I find rather refreshing compared to some of them who have seen here in the past." Another commissioner praised the proposed outdoor eating area as a neighborhood amenity.

Votes at a glance: the commission took three formal votes tied to the case. The motions were combined into one motion to adopt staff findings and recommend approval of (1) an amendment to the Springs at Lockport planned commercial development, (2) the final resubdivision plat for Lot 2, and (3) the final development plans for a 2,152‑square‑foot commercial building on Lot 1. Motion by Commissioner Garland; second by Commissioner Wheeler. Roll call: Wheeler — yes; Garland — yes; Maloney — yes; Likens — yes; Peters — yes; Calderon — yes; Quinn — yes. Outcome: approved (7–0).

Next steps and conditions: staff assigned the item to the Committee of the Whole on Wednesday, May 7, where the applicant must show that outstanding planning and engineering comments have been addressed. Staff also said final engineering comments can be resolved before that meeting; if the applicant does not address the comments, the item will be removed from the Committee of the Whole agenda. The commission recorded additional implementation details: tenant deliveries must take place on site, and details for safety barriers around the outdoor seating area must be provided with building permit documents.

Clarifying details noted in the record: Lot 2 of the Springs at Lockport is approximately 2.76 acres; proposed building area is 2,152 square feet; required parking is 11 spaces, proposed 27 spaces; pervious surface is at the 70% cap; revised drawings due April 16; Committee of the Whole consideration scheduled for May 7.

The commission closed the public hearing and welcomed the project, subject to the engineering and planning conditions described above.