Committee directs parallel code amendment and technical review for proposed Rocky Patel cigar lounge at Townline Road

GTZ Properties presented a concept Oct. 7 to open a standalone Rocky Patel premium cigar store and lounge on the westernmost parcel of 555 Townline Road. The applicant described the business as a high‑end cigar retail operation with an on‑site lounge, lockers and hospitality amenities; staff noted comparable Rocky Patel locations in the region.

Director Jennings told the committee that the proposed lounge use is not defined in the village zoning code and that a zoning code text amendment (likely drafted as a village action) would be necessary to permit the use in a location such as this. Staff recommended running that text amendment in parallel with the petitioner’s special use/site plan/landscape and appearance review so both items could return to the board together for final consideration.

The board discussed operating characteristics; the applicant said some Rocky Patel locations operate with extended hours and include lockers for patrons. Trustees generally expressed no objection to staff and the applicant proceeding, although one trustee said he was not enthusiastic about indoor smoking uses in general. Counsel and staff reminded the petitioner the presentation was conceptual and not a formal approval; technical review and formal hearings before the Planning and Zoning Commission and the board would follow.

Notes: staff to prepare zoning code text amendments for tobacco/vape/lounge uses in parallel with petitioner technical review; the applicant will finalize site plan and return for formal consideration.