Morton trustees approve zoning change for boutique event spaces after parking debate

Morton trustees voted to add a new permitted use for boutique event spaces in the village’s B2 zoning district after a lengthy discussion about parking and oversight.

The board considered Ordinance 26‑30, introduced by village planning staff member Zach, which would define a boutique event space and schedule it as a permitted use in the B2 (downtown) zoning district. Amy Jones, a fourth‑generation Morton resident whose family owns a proposed downtown venue, had urged the board during public comment to approve the change to help reuse a historic building and to boost downtown commerce.

Trustee Hillyard led a sustained effort to make the new use a B2 special use rather than a permitted use, arguing that downtown buildings have limited or no on‑site parking and that a special‑use process would allow the village to review parking plans and hours of operation on a case‑by‑case basis. Hillyard said, "If this gets approved ... there's nothing that provide[s] for the parking space," and urged the board to retain oversight.

Other trustees and staff questioned whether the boutique designation by itself created a unique circumstance requiring one‑off approvals. The village attorney/staff explained the amendment process and the sequence of votes; Pat (staff) clarified procedure for the amendment and subsequent vote. Supporters argued a permitted use would reduce barriers for small downtown businesses and encourage economic activity. One trustee said, "People will find a way to park and walk where they want to go," urging a business‑friendly approach.

The motion to amend the ordinance to make boutique event spaces a B2 special use failed on a roll‑call vote. The board then voted on the original ordinance as presented and approved it by roll call.

The ordinance approval does not itself approve any particular event venue; applications that require site‑plan review or special permits will still come back to the planning commission and the board as required. The record shows trustees debated parking impacts, enforcement tools, and whether existing parking lots and on‑street policies are sufficient to handle occasional 45‑person events. The plan commission will review any specific site plans and the first potential special‑use applications referenced during the meeting were scheduled to return for permit consideration at later meetings.

Next steps: The ordinance takes effect per the village’s code process, and applicants seeking to operate downtown should follow plan‑commission and staff procedures for site plans and any public notifications.