Skokie plan commission backs rezoning and special‑use permit for Dunkin' drive‑through at 8357 Skokie Boulevard

The Estotin Plan Commission voted April 16 to recommend several zoning changes and a special‑use permit that would allow a Dunkin' with a drive‑through (and a Baskin‑Robbins counter) at 8357 Skokie Boulevard, sending the items to the Village Board for final approval.

Planning staff told the commission that the request entails a zoning‑chapter amendment to remove a "retail street" designation, a rezoning of the parcel from CX core mixed use to B2 commercial, and a special‑use permit for a limited‑service restaurant with a drive‑through. "Staff recommends that the petitioners' request for a special use permit for a limited service restaurant with a drive through at 8357 Skokie Boulevard in a B2 commercial zoning district be approved subject to the recommended conditions," Michael, planning staff, said during his presentation.

Why it matters: Staff argued the small parcel and surrounding lower‑density uses make B2 commercial more appropriate than the CX mixed‑use zoning adopted in 2009, and that rezoning would facilitate re‑occupying a building that has sat vacant since 2024. The petitioner said reusing the existing structure reduces demolition waste and supports local sustainability goals.

Site and conditions: Staff and the petitioner described a plan that removes the southern portion of the existing convenience‑store building to allow a drive‑through lane that the petitioner says can stack up to 10 vehicles. The proposal provides 17 on‑site parking spaces where 20 are required; staff recommended relief for the three‑space shortfall and for retaining the existing pylon sign within the sight‑distance triangle. Recommended conditions include a screened trash enclosure, signage discouraging left turns from the south driveway during morning and evening peaks, annual review of outdoor dining, and lighting standards to direct light away from adjacent properties.

Petitioner and operations: Rena Punjwani Kwaja, representing Punjwani Network and the Dunkin' franchise group, described the operator as a family‑owned local franchisee with five Skokie locations and said drive‑through service is vital to the business. "We've been operating for 40 years," Punjwani Kwaja said, noting the company uses mobile ordering and designated pickup parking to reduce queue times.

Noise and traffic concerns: Commissioners raised several operational concerns, including the proximity of an ordering pylon to a multifamily residential property, the pylon's potential for early‑morning sound, the sufficiency of a wood fence to mitigate noise, stacking capacity and turning movements when exiting onto Main Street and Skokie Boulevard. The petitioner responded that the proposed HME audio system adjusts to ambient noise and can be tuned to reduce output, and that staff and the petitioner expect the fence and operational adjustments to limit impacts. Staff noted there are sound regulations for ordering boards and that appearance review will address sign and facade details.

Hours restriction and parking relief: During the vote on the special‑use permit, a commissioner proposed — and the commission added — a condition limiting hours of operation to 4 a.m. to 10 p.m.; the commission approved the special‑use permit with that restriction. Staff explained the case predates a forthcoming state law that will limit minimum parking requirements near transit, so the petitioner requested parking relief now; staff supported the three‑space reduction for this site.

Votes and next step: The commission voted to approve the zoning chapter amendment, the rezoning of 8357 Skokie Boulevard, the special‑use permit (with the 4 a.m.–10 p.m. hours condition) and the related rezoning for 4741 Main Street. The chair said all approved cases will go before the Village Board of Trustees for final approval at its upcoming meetings.

What comes next: The petitions will be scheduled before the Village Board for final action; the planning staff said the building elevations will also go to the Appearance Commission for design review (tentatively in May).