Will County committee approves two Frankfort‑area bar special uses amid debate over video‑gaming density

The Will County Land Use and Development Committee approved special use permits for two proposed bars in unincorporated Frankfort-area locations while several committee members and residents debated whether the county should limit concentrations of establishments that host video gaming machines.

The committee voted to approve a special use permit for an outdoor beer‑garden expansion (7905 West Lincoln Highway) and separately approved a special use for a bar with on‑site liquor and video gaming planned for 19816 South Harlem Avenue. Both special use permits passed the committee and move to the full county board.

Why it matters: Committee members and neighbors raised two recurring concerns: whether the proposed outdoor entertainment and expanded bar uses have adequate parking and how close multiple new bar/gaming venues might be to each other. Members said the county recently lifted a countywide prohibition on certain video gaming, and some said they are concerned about the “density” effect if several such venues locate in a single plaza or neighborhood.

Site specifics and conditions: For the Lincoln Highway expansion, the applicants described existing parking that they counted as 81 spaces and said they would expand parking if needed; the owner said the adjacent rental house could be removed to create more parking. Staff noted that parking and building‑code issues will be reviewed during the building‑permit phase, and that any expansion must comply with the county noise ordinance (no outdoor sound between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m.). The applicant agreed to the special use conditions recommended by staff, which included compliance with the noise code and a requirement related to liquor‑control licensing.

Public and committee concerns: Several committee members urged caution about allowing multiple video‑gaming sites in close proximity. One member noted the recent change allowing such gaming as an ‘‘unintended consequence’’ that could lead to a high concentration of gaming machines, saying the committee should consider whether additional spacing or limits are needed. Resident speakers at the Lincoln Highway hearing described past loud events, burning and yard‑line disputes; they said they preferred smaller permitted expansions and asked for enforceable parking and noise conditions.

Applicant statements: Erin Gallagher, representing the Harlem Avenue petitioner, described extensive outreach and said there were no objections from notified neighbors and that the planning and zoning commission and township had supported the application. Gallagher also described the business as an upscale wine and whiskey‑focused establishment and said the applicant planned moderated hours and a kitchen solution to limit staffing burdens. Anastasia Russenellos, registered agent for the Lincoln Highway property, said the family has owned the property for decades and is prepared to expand parking if required by code.

Formal outcome: The committee approved the Lincoln Highway beer‑garden special use (committee vote 6–0) and the Harlem Avenue bar special use (committee vote 6–0). Both approvals include staff‑recommended conditions regarding noise, parking review at the building‑permit stage and compliance with liquor licensing.

Ending: Approvals move to the Will County Board for final action. Committee members said they will continue to consider whether additional county rules about the spacing or density of gaming‑enabled establishments are needed.