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Plan Commission recommends video-gaming venue at former Moe's despite nearby business opposition
Summary
The Wheeling Plan Commission on Nov. 19 recommended approval of a video-gaming establishment for Bonnie's at 31 N. Elmhurst Road, with conditions limiting food preparation and imposing liquor-license hours; the vote passed with two commissioners dissenting. A nearby property owner opposed the proposal, saying more gaming hurts local businesses.
The Wheeling Plan Commission recommended Nov. 19 that Bonnie's, a proposed video-gaming establishment at 31 North Elmhurst Road (the former Moe's), receive approval subject to staff conditions.
Steve, a staff member, told the commission the proposal differs from restaurants that add gaming terminals because Bonnie's would be a gaming establishment without food preparation; staff recommended approval with six conditions, including that the kitchen not be used for open-food preparation and that hours conform to the associated Wheeling liquor license.
Petitioner Bonnie Singer, who said she lives nearby in Buffalo Grove, told commissioners she will not prepare food on-site and plans only complimentary prepackaged snacks. "We're gonna have a 3 drink maximum per day per person," she said, adding that employees will receive Bassett training and will be instructed not to serve obviously intoxicated patrons.
Grace Baston, who said she owns the property at 767 Dundee Road and operates B and L Liquors and PS Pub, testified in opposition. Baston said the original intent for gaming in Wheeling was limited to bars and that the village now has "machines in our bar" and "has become a small Las Vegas" with corporate operators, which she said harms established local businesses.
Singer responded that she is not a corporation and that her proposal would replace machines that were already in place at the Moe's location; she said this would be her only location in Wheeling.
Commissioners asked about capacity, staffing and monitoring alcohol limits. Singer said she expects small numbers of patrons, typically a handful at a time, and that staff at the door will check ID and keep a record of patrons' drinks while on site.
A motion to recommend approval passed with most commissioners voting yes; Commissioner Hyken voted "Respectfully, no," and Chairman Johnson voted "No." Steve said the commission's recommendation will go to the Village Board on Dec. 1 for final action.
The record shows staff conditions intended to limit the use to gaming operations (no kitchen use) and to require permits for signage and building work; the Village Board will consider final approval on Dec. 1.
