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Committee rejects recommendation to allow standalone 1,680‑sq‑ft garage at 417 Marquette Road
Summary
The committee voted on Oct. 6 to issue negative recommendations for two variance requests at 417 Marquette Road: one to allow an accessory structure without a principal dwelling and another to permit a 1,680‑square‑foot, 21.5‑foot tall garage. Neighbors opposed the standalone garage, and several trustees cited precedent concerns for small lots.
The Village of Machesney Park Planning and Economic Development Committee on Oct. 6 voted to forward two variance requests for 417 Marquette Road to the Oct. 20 board meeting with negative recommendations.
The applicant, Dalton Myers (403 Liberty Boulevard), asked the committee to consider his request for a standalone garage on a vacant lot he owns near his home. Planning staff said the applicant seeks a variance to allow an accessory structure where there is no principal dwelling and a separate variance to permit an accessory building measuring 1,680 square feet and 21.5 feet tall. Staff recommended against allowing a garage without a home in this residential neighborhood, but said that if the board authorized a standalone garage, staff would accept the proposed size and height subject to conditions: setback compliance, a proper driveway, and a prohibition on outdoor storage or renting the garage to others. The Planning & Zoning Commission voted 2–3 not to recommend the variances.
Several neighbors spoke in opposition. Michelle Felzone, 415 Marquette, told the committee she objects to a large garage next door, said the property owner already drives across her yard to access the lot, and expressed concern about trailers stored on the parcel and possible property‑value impacts. Erin Stone asked about the potential impact on home values and whether animals could be left on the lot without someone present; the applicant said he does not leave dogs unattended.
Trustee Tricke said he could not support allowing accessory structures without principal dwellings because many small lots in Machesney Park could result in similar requests. The clerk took a roll call on Ordinance 35‑25 (variance to allow an accessory structure without a principal structure). The recorded votes produced two yeas and four nays; the committee issued a negative recommendation. The committee then voted on Ordinance 36‑25 (size/height variance for the same garage) and likewise issued a negative recommendation.
Both ordinances will be considered by the full village board at its Oct. 20 meeting with the committee's negative recommendations.
