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Contentious site‑plan: Johnny's owner seeks volleyball courts; neighbors raise noise concerns
Summary
Owner of Johnny's (seeking rebranding as JJ Twigs) asked the board to approve up to six sand volleyball courts to attract customers; trustees and nearby residents questioned proximity to backyards and potential noise, and the board moved the item to the Dec. 11 meeting for revised drawings and further consideration.
The owner of Johnny's (applicant represented by Andy Helzer of NorthShore Capital) asked the village to approve a site plan adding up to six sand volleyball courts at 1500 Main Street as part of a rebranding and expansion strategy. Helzer told the board courts would create an outdoor destination and drive traffic to the business.
Several trustees and at least one nearby resident objected to the proposed layout, saying courts placed close to the property line could send balls and noise into adjacent backyards and would change the character of the block. Trustee Pierce said he "can't support that" given the close proximity to residents' yards and asked for clearer renderings and mitigation measures. Staff and the applicant discussed standard mitigations such as 8‑foot netting, staged installation (starting with two or three courts rather than six), and restrictions on amplified sound and lighting.
Building and police staff noted the village's current noise tools are limited and signaled a separate review of noise standards and enforcement tools may be needed. The planning and zoning process and site‑plan review remain requirements; the board placed the item on the Dec. 11 regular meeting agenda and requested revised site drawings that show existing surrounding structures and more precise setbacks.
