University Park board approves lease for Harold's Chicken despite questions about insurance

The Village of University Park voted to approve an ordinance authorizing a lease between the village and MMA International Inc. for Unit 30 at Town Center Drive, the site proposed for Harold's Chicken.

The lease (read for first, second and third readings) was moved by Trustee McFadden and seconded by Trustee Lewis and passed by roll call. Trustees raised repeated questions about whether franchise documents and proof of insurance were on file. Trustee Thompson asked, “Do we have, like, the insurance documents and franchise documents…that we need to see?” Staff and the applicant said the business cannot obtain certificate-of-insurance language listing the village as an additional insured until the lease is in effect, but they told the board that the operator has existing business insurance and agreed to the lease terms.

Ameribaly, the staff presenter, said the proposed lease would be standard and described the term as a 12‑month agreement at $850 per month, and he reported he had spoken with the prospective operator who “agreed to those terms.” The operator’s representative told the board the insurance and franchise paperwork would be secured before any doors open.

Public commenters attending the meeting expressed support. Sonja Jenkins said Harold’s Chicken “is gonna anchor our town center” and urged the board to approve the business. Capri Adams, speaking on behalf of the restaurant, thanked trustees and said the company could obtain required documents once the lease was finalized: “So all the things that you guys are needed…so it’s so easy to attain because we have another Harold’s Chicken, so it’s just adding another business.”

Roll-call voting as recorded in the meeting minutes showed a majority in favor; five votes were recorded as aye and two trustees voted against or registered concerns tied to missing franchise/insurance documentation. The board did not add a condition at the vote requiring those documents to be in hand immediately but staff said compliance would be required before the business opens to the public.

The ordinance takes effect following the board’s adoption; staff said they will return with any outstanding administrative documents as needed and the operator will be required to provide insurance naming the village as required prior to commencing operations.