Kankakee council approves rezoning, contracts and settlements; gaming cafe conditional use cleared after mayor’s deciding vote

The Kankakee City Council on Sept. 2 approved a string of ordinances and resolutions covering zoning, contracts and settlement participation. Most measures passed with unanimous or large majorities at Tuesday’s meeting; one contested conditional-use decision required the mayor’s vote to carry.

Council members voted to rezone and approve a conditional-use permit for an automotive repair business at 205 North Paramount/Fairmont Avenue (ordinance PB2025-7-1). The planning director said the property had historically been used commercially and the planning board recommended approval with conditions; the council voted to suspend the rules and passed the ordinance on final reading, 14-0.

The council also rezoned 1076 East Maple Street from R-1 single-family to R-2 two-family residential (PB2025-8-3). Director King said the property had earlier been a legal two-family but lost its nonconforming status after a vacancy; the planning board recommended approval and the council approved the ordinance on final reading, 14-0.

A co…