Plan commission OKs special permit and 10.5% parking reduction for Little Mountain Gymnastics at Dunbrook Shopping Center

The Village of Northbrook Plan Commission voted unanimously to approve a special permit and a parking variation for Little Mountain Gymnastics, a children’s gymnastics facility proposed at the Dunbrook Shopping Center, 2724–2726 Dundee Road.

Staff presented the application as a special permit request because the tenant space is approximately 2,800 square feet — above the code threshold of 2,500 square feet that triggers review for “amusement and recreation services” in the C-2 (neighborhood commercial) district. Staff also said the shopping center’s total parking requirement with the new tenant in place would be 240 spaces; 215 exist, prompting the applicant’s request for a roughly 10.5% reduction.

Applicant Audrey Jones, the owner and coach of Little Mountain Gymnastics, described programming for infants through 6-year-olds that will emphasize parent-accompanied classes for the youngest children, age-appropriate instruction, open gym sessions and weekend birthday parties. Jones said safety is a priority and that parents must remain on-site while children under age 3 attend classes: "My very first priority is safety. I do not want kids running through that parking lot," she said.

Commissioners asked about parking and drop-off procedures. Staff noted the parking calculation treats the shopping center as a whole and that the 2,500-square-foot threshold remains in the current code. Several commissioners said the center can be congested at lunchtime and encouraged the applicant to direct patrons to the lesser-used rear parking lot. Jones told commissioners the rear entrance is accessible and she plans to instruct customers to use it.

Commissioners also discussed whether the commission should require the applicant to return if the business later sought an unattended drop-off program. A motion to require a return for any future drop-off policy did not carry as part of the resolution; commissioners said they expected the village board could add conditions if needed at the next review stage.

The plan commission approved the staff-prepared resolution (docket number shown in the plan packet as PCD25‑O42724 for the subject addresses) by roll call vote: Commissioner Bridal — yes; Commissioner DeBartolo — yes; Commissioner Halperin — yes; Commissioner Morgan — yes; Chairman Alisco — yes. The applicant was told the matter will advance to the village board, likely on May 27, for final action.

The applicant said she has formed the LLC (Little Mountain Gymnastics LLC) in 2024 and expects classes, open gym and parties to operate within the hours and capacity described in her submitted schedule. She said she will consult with her insurer and relevant regulatory agencies before offering unattended drop-off services.

The plan commission’s approval allows the applicant to proceed to the board of trustees for final approval; commissioners and staff encouraged outreach to the landlord about improving visibility of the rear entrance to help ease parking impacts.