Palatine planning panel unanimously backs special-use for movement-therapy clinic at 600 N. Court

The Village of Palatine Planning and Zoning Commission voted unanimously April 8 to recommend that the Village Council approve a special-use application allowing massage and neurokinetic movement-therapy services at 600 North Court, Suite 150.

The petitioners, who identified themselves in the hearing as business owner Patarine Traubisotti and practitioner “MJ,” asked the commission for permission to operate a specialized wellness practice offering “functional neurological movement therapy” and neurokinetic therapy (NKT), hands-on modalities the petitioner described as targeting movement-pattern retraining to reduce pain and restore function. The staff presentation said the property is in the Renaissance plan development and that the proposed use requires special-use approval because the subdivision reflects uses permitted in the B-2 General Business District.

Staff recommended approval, saying the proposed operation would fit the existing medical-office character of the building, would not change required parking, and would operate during hours comparable to other tenants. The written staff recommendation placed conditions on approval that the special use “substantially conform to the floor plan and business plan submitted by the petitioners” and to village codes and ordinances.

During the public hearing, two residents spoke in support. Martha Bell said MJ “has been helping me with some of my physical issues for almost 20 years” and called her “a person of integrity.” Jody Williams described post-surgical recovery help she received and said the services were “very essential.” Neither speaker raised safety or parking concerns.

Commissioners asked the petitioners whether services would be by appointment (the petitioner said yes, one client at a time), whether practitioners were licensed (the petitioner said she is a licensed massage therapist and has additional certification in neurokinetic therapy), whether plumbing was present in the suite (staff confirmed running water), and whether aromatics or other odors would be used (the petitioner said no pervasive fragrances would be used). The petitioners said the practice had been provided previously at Northwest Community Hospital and that this would be a private, appointment-only business.

After discussion the commission made a motion to approve the special use subject to staff conditions. Roll call was unanimous in favor (Commissioners Kevin Kavanagh, Rodney Bettenhausen, Cindy Rothwurster, Jan Wood, Eric Freedman, Patrick Noonan, Steven Fedoda and Tim Schubert). The commission’s recommendation will be forwarded to the Village Council for final action at the council meeting scheduled for April 21, 2025.

The staff recommendation and the commission’s motion were limited to land-use approval; any licensing, building permit, or professional-practice requirements remain subject to separate village processes and state licensing rules.