East Dundee commission recommends special‑use approval for banquet hall at 450 Dundee Ave.

The Planning and Zoning Historic Commission of East Dundee voted Sept. 4 to recommend that the Village Board approve a special‑use permit to allow a banquet hall at 450 Dundee Avenue, subject to operating conditions aimed at limiting noise and late‑night impacts.

Applicant Gabriel Hernandez told the commission the space would remain a Zumba studio during weekdays and could host small weekend banquets with a DJ or band, security staff and catered service. "It will be with a DJ or a band," one applicant said, and Hernandez said he planned to apply for a liquor license himself in the future. The applicants agreed to an occupancy limit based on the building inspector’s calculation: "the max shall not exceed a 100 people," staff told the panel.

Commissioners repeatedly raised concerns about late‑night music and nearby residents after noting the property sits directly across the street from a retirement/assisted‑living facility. Chair Brunner said the proximity to the facility made noise control a primary concern and recommended conditions that would reduce the risk of disturbance and loitering. Commissioners suggested sound‑mitigation testing, higher STC ratings where feasible and explicit consequences if noise rules are violated.

The commission’s recommended conditions include allowing banquet activities only Friday through Sunday between 9 a.m. and midnight; requiring a cut‑off for alcohol sales and amplified music (commissioners suggested stopping alcohol sales and music about one hour before closing); adopting the live‑music special‑use noise penalty language (language that can lead to revocation if the property receives three noise ordinance citations within a 12‑month period); and a staff‑driven 12‑month review (an email report from staff to the commission) to evaluate how the special use operates in practice. The commission also asked staff to work with the applicants on details such as trash handling, storage of tables and chairs, and ensuring appropriate fire and business licensing inspections are completed.

The commission voted to recommend approval to the Village Board with those additional conditions. The commission recorded six yes votes and one absence; the Board will make the final decision. The applicants were instructed to coordinate with staff (Franco) on next steps and compliance.

Details recorded in the commission hearing: the building inspector counted a maximum occupancy of 100 based on square footage and restroom capacity; the space lacks a commercial kitchen, so food service plans rely on disposable service or off‑site catering; the fire department inspection is in progress and a business license has not yet been issued. The packet referenced a parking need of about 26 spaces for the proposed use (the packet was cited in discussion; the exact parking calculation is in the application materials).