Fox River Grove board advances multiple zoning variances and a text amendment for future ordinance consideration

The Village Board of Fox River Grove voted July 16 to move three zoning variance requests and a proposed text amendment to the zoning ordinance onto a future Village Board agenda for ordinance consideration.

Village President Marc McLaughlin opened the meeting at 6:30 p.m. and trustees approved the consent agenda before taking up zoning matters. During public comment, resident Ron Hameetman of 435 Woodbine Lane objected to Zoning Case 2024-04, the request to build an oversized garage at 415 Ski Hill Road, saying the increased height would "restrict my view of the horizon, the sun, and fresh air" and could depress property values. The comment was entered into the record; Clerk Shelley J. Caesar also acknowledged receipt of a monetary donation to the fireworks event from Gerry Blohm on behalf of FRG Scout Troop 166.

Assistant Administrator Bechler summarized the zoning proposals. Norge Ski Club (Zoning Case 2024-03) is seeking a donated accessory structure to house snow-making equipment; the proposal would exceed the village limits for height (proposed 16' vs. 12' maximum), square footage (about 1,200 sq ft vs. 576 sq ft limit) and would be sited in a side yard adjoining a street rather than a rear yard. Trustee Jennifer Curtiss moved to place the case on an upcoming agenda for ordinance approval; the voice vote was unanimous.

For Zoning Case 2024-04 at 415 Ski Hill Road, petitioner Gintaras Andriusis said an original 2021 permit for a standard 12-foot garage was delayed by rising construction costs and changing household needs after the COVID-19 pandemic; he told the Board that a larger garage (proposed 16.5' tall) would create space for a home office and for his car hobby. Assistant Administrator Bechler noted Planning & Zoning had split on the request and made no recommendation to the Village Board. Trustee Devin Hester moved and Trustee Andrew Migdal seconded a motion to place the item on an upcoming agenda; roll-call vote was 4–1 in favor (Trustees Curtiss, Hester, Migdal and Wall voted yes; Trustee Steve Knar voted no).

At 220 Gladys Avenue (Zoning Case 2024-06), petitioners Ryan and Debra Budyak requested a variance to build a 680 sq ft garage where the ordinance limit is 576 sq ft. Assistant Administrator Bechler said the extra depth is intended to give Mr. Budyak room to unload and store musical equipment and to free interior space for a home office. Mr. Budyak stated the garage would not be used for band practice or paid lessons. Trustees voted unanimously to advance the case for ordinance consideration.

Staff also presented a proposed text amendment to the Fox River Grove Zoning Ordinance (Zoning Case 2024-05) to allow, under tailored conditions, an additional shipping container on the Norge Ski Club property for novelty sales; Trustee Steve Knar moved and Trustee Andrew Migdal seconded placing the draft amendment on an upcoming agenda, and the motion passed by voice vote.

None of the items received final ordinance approval at the July 16 meeting; each was placed on an upcoming Village Board agenda for ordinance consideration and possible final vote. The board adjourned at 7:12 p.m.

Quotes "The additional height request will restrict my view of the horizon, the sun, and fresh air," resident Ron Hameetman said during public comment about 415 Ski Hill Road. "We pulled the original permit in 2021 and rising costs delayed the project; remote work and family needs made additional space more essential," petitioner Gintaras Andriusis said in explaining the revised garage plans. "The extra depth will allow us to unload and store equipment without disrupting the house," petitioner Ryan Budyak said, adding the garage will not host band practice.

What happens next Each zoning case and the text amendment were scheduled for placement on an upcoming Village Board agenda for ordinance consideration; final action will depend on the agenda hearing and any further submissions or conditions the Board places on the items.