Lifetime Citizen Portal Access — AI Briefings, Alerts & Unlimited Follows
Commission recommends approval for Casa Lara to host live entertainment with conditions after neighbor raises safety concerns
Loading...
Summary
The Planning & Zoning Commission recommended City Council approval of Casa Lara’s petition to host live entertainment at 7 Clock Tower Plaza, approving a conditional-use request and noting staff conditions; a nearby resident raised safety and noise concerns during public comment.
The Elgin Planning & Zoning Commission on Feb. 2 voted 4–1 to recommend City Council approve Antunes Group d/b/a Casa Lara’s request to operate an entertainment venue as part of the existing restaurant at 7 Clock Tower Plaza.
Staff described the tenant space as a 6,108-square-foot unit in the Clock Tower shopping center with a maximum occupancy of 274 people. Staff said the center’s 584 shared parking spaces are abundant and, because most other tenants close after 9 p.m., the restaurant’s events should be able to use the lot. Staff recommended approval subject to conditions in the packet and noted electrical upgrades will require building permits if the zoning application is approved.
Applicant Christian Antunez and architect Francisco Paladines told the commission the restaurant has hosted live performances since 2014 and the proposed entertainment nights would generally run Friday and Saturday starting about 9 p.m., occasionally ending near 1:30 a.m.; they said live acts are typically one or two performers and the venue uses wristbands and security to monitor capacity. When asked about security, staff noted the standard of one security guard per 30 attendees and the applicant said they would staff licensed security as needed.
Resident Cassandra Marie Figueroa, who lives in the adjacent River Landings apartments, urged the commission to consider neighborhood safety and said she has observed the restaurant operating as an entertainment venue already and had concerns about safety and electrical conditions shown in online photos and reviews. “I do not trust that they will employ adequate security during these events that they will now be holding openly,” Figueroa said.
A motion to recommend approval carried 4–1; Commissioner Bridal voted no. The commission’s recommendation will be forwarded to City Council. Staff said conditions in the packet will apply if City Council approves the zoning change.
