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Panel recommends banquet hall at 521 Dundee Avenue with parking, lighting and late‑night conditions
Summary
The commission recommended the village board approve a banquet‑hall special use for 521 Dundee Avenue, subject to conditions requiring agreements for additional parking, consistent exterior lighting, noise and alcohol‑service limits (last alcohol service timed to around 1:00 a.m.) and review of compliance before licensing.
The Planning, Zoning & Historic Commission on July 9 recommended that the village board approve a special use allowing banquet operations at 521 Dundee Avenue, after hearing detailed testimony from applicants and police and fire officials about parking, noise and public‑safety concerns.
Applicant Kevin Pansola (and representative Francisco Rezola) said the business would operate primarily as a breakfast/brunch restaurant with banquet capabilities for weekend events (quinceañeras, weddings and private parties). Staff noted the site has 23 marked parking spaces, which meet restaurant requirements but may be insufficient for larger evening events. A neighboring property owner submitted a written objection expressing concern over event parking and in‑and‑out traffic; staff and commissioners discussed requiring the applicant to secure agreements with adjacent parcel owners for additional stalls.
The police representative cautioned about late‑night drinking and recommended limiting alcohol service so it does not overlap peak bar‑close staffing burdens downtown; the police suggested a liquor‑service cutoff around 1:00 a.m. The fire marshal urged the applicant to keep building permit and sprinkler plans current and to secure any required permits for changes (outdoor patio, egress, sprinklers).
Commissioners recommended conditions that would require: a written agreement or lease giving access to enough parking spaces from neighboring owners before the board acts or before issuance of a business license; consistent exterior and parking‑lot lighting; interior noise‑mitigation measures; and limits on alcohol service tied to village liquor laws (the commission discussed last‑call timing and suggested alcohol service end by 1 a.m., with last call earlier). The applicant said security staffing would be used for events.
On the recorded voice votes the motion carried; the commission will forward its recommendation and suggested conditions to the village board. Commissioners noted they could adjust specific hours if the village board wished to modify them.
Next steps: the commission recommended the board review a final parking/access plan and consider the listed conditions at the village board hearing (dates discussed included July 20 and later August dates).
