Zoning board recommends conditional‑use approval for Grand Reserve reception facility in Franklin Park

The Franklin Park Zoning Board of Appeals voted unanimously May 6 to recommend a conditional‑use permit for a reception facility to operate at 10211 Grand Avenue.

Attorney Nick Ftikas and petitioner Ray Casali told the board the operator, to be called The Grand Reserve, would lease the space if approved and operate Friday through Sunday evenings from 6:00 p.m. to midnight. Casali said the enterprise would be staffed by four employees, include a manager and event security, and host family‑oriented events — baby showers, children’s birthday parties, quinceneras, anniversaries and small weddings. No on‑site food preparation is planned; food will be provided by caterers or event hosts.

The board heard from planning staff that the site meets the Village’s parking requirement of ten spaces for the proposed use. Chairman Mark Cwik opened the public hearing; no members of the public spoke. After discussion, Member Frank Grieashamer moved to “approve ZBA 26‑03 for the approval of a Conditional Use for a Reception Facility in the C‑2 Community Shopping District per Village Code Section 9‑9‑2, Table 9‑1 for the property commonly known as 10211 Grand Avenue, in Franklin Park, Illinois, subject to the following conditions: That this proposed use complies with all Village regulations at all times.” Member Kathy Mennella seconded; the motion carried on a 7–0 roll‑call vote.

The Zoning Board’s recommendation is advisory; final action will be decided by the Franklin Park Village Board of Trustees. The petitioner indicated discussions with the Mayor’s Office are underway regarding a possible liquor license if the Conditional Use is approved.