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Applicant seeks Class A liquor license and conditional-use review for 1370 West Court
Summary
A franchised bar owner and realtor, Amanda Arps, petitioned the committee for a Class A liquor license for a proposed bar at 1370 West Court; the committee did not take action and directed the applicant to pursue zoning and conditional-use approvals and solicit neighborhood input.
KANKAKEE, Ill. — Amanda Arps introduced herself to the License and Franchise Committee and requested a Class A liquor license for a proposed bar at 1370 West Court, a former bank building that she and her husband plan to convert to a downtown tavern-style establishment.
Arps described her experience operating five bar establishments, including Burgers and Beer, and said the Court Street building is roughly 1,550 square feet with about 20 parking spaces and an existing fence and landscaping. "It's been listed for a year. We haven't had any bites on the property," she said, explaining the owners want to fill the vacant building and are seeking the committee's input before spending on zoning and conditional-use applications.
Committee members noted several requirements the applicant will need to address before a license can be issued. Director King and aldermen discussed the conditional-use permit and zoning review, possible parking adjustments, and neighborhood input; a committee member said planned changes will likely require a conditional-use process and that the applicant should expect public notice and the opportunity for neighbors to comment. The applicant acknowledged adjacent residences and said the business model would be a "more mature" tavern-style venue rather than a sports bar, and she said she would not initially serve food but would plan to offer a low-key atmosphere with possible gaming terminals if a liquor license is approved. "If we are permitting, we're thinking in Bourbonnae, it's like $12.50 dollars," she said when discussing application costs and the desire to get committee feedback first.
Members confirmed staff records show the city currently has available Class A licenses and that licensing is separate from gaming-cafe caps; the applicant was advised to contact zoning and planning to pursue a conditional-use permit, evaluate required parking changes, and notify nearby residents. One alderman recused himself from the consideration due to a potential conflict of interest. The committee took no formal action or vote on the liquor-license request; members asked the applicant to pursue formal zoning and planning review and to return with required approvals and any additional information requested by staff.
