Board approves DBAT indoor baseball/softball training academy at 100 Chaddock Drive with conditions

The Wheeling Village Board on July 8 approved a special-use permit for a DBAT (baseball/softball training academy) at 100 Chaddock Drive, with several conditions recommended by the Plan Commission.

Director Clicker told the board the plan commission unanimously recommended approval with seven conditions: at least one employee on site during hours of operation; parties and gatherings limited to facility participants and incidental uses; tournaments and similar competitive events prohibited; all activities to be entirely indoors; outdoor refuse to be screened within a code-compliant enclosure; site-plan approval from the plan commission before construction; and required fire sprinkler and alarm permits and approvals prior to a certificate of occupancy. Director Clicker also said a Wheeling sign permit will be required under Title 21 before any exterior signage is installed.

Trevor Haley, the prospective owner-operator, described the proposed layout and operations and answered trustees' questions about the facility. Haley said the site would include 12 batting and pitching areas — described as two narrow pitching lanes, four full-size cages (two with pitching machines) and five half-size cages — and a retail pro shop stocked and coordinated by Rawlings and Easton. He said the operator hopes to open by Jan. 1.

Trustee Krueger asked whether the building's age drove sprinkler requirements; Director Clicker said it was the change in use to a more assembly-type occupancy that triggers review and required permit work. After questions, the board moved, seconded and approved the special-use ordinance by roll call, with Clerk Bridal recording affirmative votes.

The approval is conditioned on the plan commission's items and required permits; Director Clicker and staff will follow up on site plan review and building-safety items before issuance of a certificate of occupancy.