Board refers High 5 Sports Club zoning request to Plan Commission after concerns over industrial-site safety and parking

After a preliminary presentation by staff and the applicant, the Village Board voted to refer a proposed zoning text amendment request from High 5 Sports Club to the Plan Commission for a public hearing and recommendation.

Director McKeown explained the request: the applicant seeks text changes to allow group physical fitness facilities larger than 2,500 square feet in the I‑1 restricted industrial district and a special permit for a 30% parking reduction. The proposed use would occupy an approximately 12,000‑square‑foot portion of a two‑tenant industrial building in Sky Harbor and the applicant anticipates up to 60 children and 10–20 employees at peak times with hours roughly 9 a.m.–6 p.m.

Trustees split in reaction. Several members praised keeping the business in Northbrook but said the specific Sky Harbor location raises safety concerns because of existing semi‑truck activity and one‑way/stacking flow that could create unsafe drop‑off conditions for children. Trustee Cassidy and others noted many indoor sports facilities succeed in repurposed industrial spaces, but trustees emphasized the site’s particular constraints and the precedent‑setting nature of a code text amendment that would apply across the entire I‑1 district.

Director McKeown said staff and deputy director Halstead had worked with the applicant to identify alternate sites but that low vacancy left few options in town. The board’s referral to the Plan Commission starts a formal zoning process with a public hearing and opportunity for more detailed technical review and public comment.

No final decision was made; the Plan Commission will hold a hearing and issue a recommendation to the board.