Kankakee committee hears East Side grocery proposal; consultant flags parking limits

An alderman raised concerns about grocery access on Kankakee's East Side and asked whether a proposed expansion by a local operator (identified in the transcript as Gonzales/Los Pedro's) is still being pursued. Mayor Curtis said staff and a consultant reviewed initial schematics and cautioned that parking may be insufficient for a full-scale grocery at the proposed location.

"The parking lot is a little tight there for a large grocery store like that," Curtis said, adding the consultant will prepare an analysis on whether the site can function alongside nearby grocery competitors. Curtis said the Economic Development Committee will review the consultant's findings and consult aldermen about next steps, noting the city wants to ensure grocery access for residents who lack reliable transportation.

Council members also discussed the potential impacts of a planned reconstruction of Route 312 on onsite parking and possible longer-term needs to reconfigure adjacent properties. No formal decision or vote was taken; the matter was referred for committee review and a consultant feasibility study.