Council directs staff to prepare revocable right‑of‑way covenant for ADA parking at proposed Arc Wellness site

Council members directed staff to prepare a revocable right‑of‑way covenant to allow an ADA access aisle that would encroach approximately three feet into the Manning Avenue right‑of‑way at 3 S 230 Warren Avenue, a step the city needs to count an ADA parking space toward the minimum parking required for a proposed Arc Wellness clinic.

Planner Jack Masca explained the property configuration and said the applicant has secured shared parking approval from the Park District for three vehicle spaces and proposes an ADA space at the retail entrance. Masca said the ADA access aisle would encroach into the public right‑of‑way and must meet slope and accessibility requirements; the applicant will be required to hire a contractor to bring the area into ADA compliance and the city will inspect the work.

Rob Kennedy, the Arc Wellness owner, described the business as a supervised physical‑therapy program focused on older adults with low bone density and said classes will be small — about six to eight people at a time — and require licensed staff. Resident Ed Lowry spoke in support, saying the business would benefit nearby seniors.

Aldermen asked technical questions about underground utilities, turning radii and whether the existing garage door would remain; Masca said the garage door will remain but the applicant will place a large concrete barrier to prevent vehicle ingress/egress where the ADA space is located. The council voted to direct staff to present a resolution and a revocable right‑of‑way covenant allowing the limited encroachment; the motion passed unanimously.

Next steps noted in the discussion: staff will draft the resolution and agreement for a future council action, the applicant must obtain required building permits and complete ADA construction, and city staff will inspect the completed work before final approval.