Waukegan keeps extended hours permit in place for Club La Bodega after 3‑month review

City staff brought zoning calendar 2776 back for review after the Council amended Club La Bodega's conditional use permit to allow extended hours through 2 a.m. Three months into the extended schedule, Sam Green, planner for the City of Waukegan, told the Planning & Zoning Commission that police, fire, building and licensing departments had reported no complaints tied to the later hours and that only an unrelated ambulance call had occurred.

Delia Dela Cruz, the venue's owner, testified that events at Club La Bodega have generally run smoother than expected and that most gatherings are family‑oriented, concluding earlier than the 2 a.m. closing time. "Everything is running smooth," she said, and that she typically closes earlier when crowds are family events such as baptisms or quincea—1eras.

Commissioners noted that a required parking permit pursuant to the original CUP had not yet been secured. Green confirmed the outstanding parking‑permit condition but said staff could work with the applicant to secure the permit. Commissioners were presented with three procedural options: take no action, recommend additional conditions, or initiate revocation.

Commissioner Anderson moved to continue the approved extended use permit without adding new conditions; the motion was seconded and passed by roll call. The commission did not order revocation and kept the three‑month follow‑up practice available should future complaints arise.

The decision leaves the existing CUP in effect pending compliance with the previously stated conditions, including obtaining the required parking documentation.