Kankakee planning board recommends conditional-use permit for Harbor House shelter

On Feb. 11, 2025, the City of Kankakee Planning Board recommended approval of a conditional-use permit for Harbor House’s domestic-violence care facility at 2391 East Court Street, clearing a zoning hurdle the agency says is required for a pending grant application.

Harbor House Executive Director Ginny Sheinwater told the board she sought the conditional-use permit to update zoning language at the site to reflect both residential shelter space and expanded nonresidential office and program areas. "We are requesting a conditional use permit at our current location, so that's 2391 East Court, for our domestic violence care facility that includes nonresidential and residential services," Sheinwater said.

The board, after a public hearing and staff presentation, attached multiple conditions to the recommendation. Commissioner Deb Terrell moved to recommend approval with findings A through F from the conditional-use standards and with specific preconditions requiring site-plan review and issuance of building…