Residents press Sleepy Hollow board for clarity after 1601 West Main hearing postponed

Residents told the Sleepy Hollow board they still lack basic answers about a proposed storage facility at 1601 West Main after the scheduled public hearing was postponed.

Debbie Vernon, who identified herself and her Sleepy Hollow address during public comment, said the village posted a notice for a June 8 hearing that did not occur and that the June 22 hearing was not published the required 15 days in advance. Vernon said a FOIA response received June 2 showed Carpentersville planning staff recommended denial of the requested special use permit, text amendments and variances for 1601 West Main and that residents remain uncertain why the petition remains unresolved.

President Bowe explained the June 22 event was postponed and that staff will meet with the petitioners, the Jameses, along with the village administrator and counsel for staff review; she said invitations will include both parties’ attorneys and that there is not yet a published public hearing because the application required amendments and publications had not been completed. Bowe apologized for the confusion and said the village will provide an update after the staff meeting.

Trustees and staff clarified that staff review meetings are part of the application process and that public hearings follow staff review and required notice; some trustees pressed for a clearer public timeline. A resident asked why the sign for the June hearing remained in place; staff said the property owner controls removal of the sign in some circumstances and that the sign will be taken down when appropriate.

No formal board action was taken; trustees agreed to follow up after the staff review meeting and to communicate results to residents.