Planning commission approves wood ramp option for Foxy’s Hideaway at 319 Myers Street

The East Dundee Planning & Zoning Historic Commission on April 3 approved a certificate of appropriateness allowing Foxy’s Hideaway at 319 Myers Street to install a natural‑stained pressure‑treated wood ramp and deck with metal railing, after the petitioner said composite decking bids were prohibitively expensive.

"It is astonishing how expensive this 20 foot ramp is going to be," said Joe Kondo of Foxy’s, who presented three options: composite decking, a wood deck and stairs with metal railings, or a poured concrete ramp. Kondo told the commission one composite bid exceeded $13,000 and said the petitioner preferred wood for cost and flexibility while they gather a concrete bid.

Commissioners and staff discussed materials, hardware costs and maintenance. The petitioner explained that composite posts and fasteners raised the price (posts quoted at about $120 each, with many boxes of specialized fasteners required) and that a permanent concrete ramp could complicate a planned patio and roof‑line expansion. The petitioner also described an anticipated change in door location to provide a 5‑foot ADA landing at the top of the ramp.

Chair Brunner and other commissioners signaled support for a nonpermanent wood solution that would preserve future expansion options. The commission moved to grant a certificate of appropriateness limited to a natural or clear‑polyurethaned pressure‑treated wood deck and metal railing (replacing the originally proposed composite material). Commissioners Stenick, Feck, Myers, Scarpelli and Chair Brunner recorded 'yes' on the roll call.

The commission conditioned the approval on use of the approved materials and finishes discussed in the packet and agreed that the petitioner may return if the wood option proves infeasible and a concrete alternative is later necessary.

The commission’s decision allows Foxy’s to proceed with procurement and installation of the ramp in the approved wood finish; the petitioner indicated they will submit final bids and return to the commission only if the petitioner later seeks a different, concrete solution.