Westmont rezones 735 North Cass to manufacturing after planning commission split

The Village Board voted March 5 to rezone 735 North Cass from the O research district to M manufacturing, a change petitioned by the contract purchaser to broaden the range of permissible tenants for a 1978 building.

Director Henterfine explained the structure is currently configured for offices but that market demand favors different uses; Planning & Zoning recommended approval on a 4‑1 vote, with the dissenting commissioner concerned that M zoning allows more intensive uses not suited to the existing building.

Petitioner Kylo Rossi (Rossi Real Estate) told trustees he intends to improve marketability by adding a sprinkler system and modest build‑outs, but said the building was not originally constructed for heavy manufacturing.

Trustees and the fire chief pressed staff on enforcement and inspection: the village performs an initial business registration inspection when a tenant moves in, and inspectional staff inspect properties annually; the fire chief warned that permitted M uses could introduce exterior impacts such as additional truck traffic or storage that the building and existing systems may not accommodate.

Director Henterfine said permitted M uses are more extensive than in the O district and that some entertainment and industrial uses are allowed by right; he noted the village is updating its comprehensive plan and that the site will be vetted further during implementation.

The board approved the rezoning by roll call after discussion.

Next steps

If a tenant later proposes a use categorized as a special use, that use would require Planning & Zoning and village‑board review; staff indicated they will continue business‑registration checks and inspectional follow‑up to identify changes in occupancy or use that could create compliance concerns.