Gurnee board recommends approval for small medical and behavioral health clinic despite parking concerns

The Gurnee Planning & Zoning Board voted on June 17 to recommend the Village Board approve a special use permit to establish a medical and behavioral health clinic at 4017 Old Grand Avenue, the former law office site.

Petitioner Marina Strella, who identified herself as “a licensed family nurse practitioner and psychiatric nurse practitioner,” said the planned clinic will be primarily appointment‑based and use telehealth for behavioral visits, with limited in‑person, same‑day care and a small staff. “Parking should not be a problem,” Strella said, explaining she currently plans 30‑minute appointment spacing and a model that relies heavily on telehealth; she estimated staffing could reach up to five people at full scale.

Board members expressed repeated concern about parking and site maneuverability. Commissioners and neighbors noted the lot is compact and that there is no on‑street parking nearby, and staff said reconfiguring the site could at best yield one additional stall. Planning staff explained that required ADA access and handicap restroom accommodations are expected and can be met by building modifications; staff also said adding parking beyond tight reconfiguration would be difficult given setbacks and buffers.

Commissioners debated whether to allow walk‑in sick‑call hours. Strella proposed a limited early‑morning walk‑in window (approximately 8–9 a.m.) to accommodate urgent community needs while keeping the clinic primarily appointment‑based. Several commissioners said the board should avoid micromanaging a business model and treat the application as appointment‑based with the petitioner responsible for self‑regulating any later expansion of walk‑in hours if parking becomes an issue.

Public comment included neighbors who live and work on Old Grand Avenue. Angelo Pope, whose house sits across the street, said the building would likely work for the clinic but urged staff to explore small parking expansions; Jennifer Sturbans, the late owner’s fiancée, said the prior law office operated with five employees and managed the site successfully.

After deliberation, Mr. Nordinto moved and Mr. Campbell seconded a motion recommending approval to the Village Board; roll call was unanimous in favor. Staff will convey the board’s recommendation and follow up on building‑code items (ADA compliance, sinks/handwashing in treatment rooms) and any engineering requirements for parking reconfiguration.

The Village Board will make the final decision at a subsequent meeting; the Planning & Zoning Board recommendation does not authorize construction.