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Elgin approves haunted‑house at 80 N. State with shuttle plan and three‑year parking review
Summary
Council approved a conditional-use permit for Evil Intentions to operate a seasonal haunted-house at 80 N. State Street, approving a shuttle-based parking plan centered on the underused Fulton Street deck and adding a three‑year review requiring the operator and city to explore private-parking options.
The Elgin Committee of the Whole on July 22 approved a conditional-use permit allowing Evil Intentions to operate a seasonal immersive haunted-house at 80 North State Street, subject to conditions covering parking, security and operations and an amendment requiring a three‑year review of the city parking arrangement.
Community development staff described the operator’s plan: seasonal hours (last week of September through first week of November; Thursdays and Sundays 7–10 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays 7 p.m.–midnight), interior life‑safety renovations across multiple floors and a shuttle-based parking management approach that would rely primarily on the Fulton Street parking deck. “On the peak night … evil intentions expects between 4,500 customers spread over 5 hours of operation,” the community development director told council, noting the applicant’s estimate and the shuttle guarantee built into advance ticketing.
The applicant and staff emphasized crowd-management measures: a fenced exterior waiting line, at least six exterior staff for crowd control, interior security and cameras that can be accessed by city police on request, ten temporary portable toilets, and biweekly pre-season coordination meetings with city departments. The operator said a remote shuttle pickup will rotate between the Fulton deck and a single dedicated drop/pickup point to avoid traffic conflicts and to bring patrons into downtown businesses.
Council debate focused on downtown parking capacity and the long-term use of public parking. Councilmember Ortiz proposed (and the council adopted 5–4) an amendment to paragraph 7 of the condition set that directs the operator to explore private-parking solutions and requires the city and owner to revisit the Fulton‑deck arrangement in three years; proponents said the amendment preserves flexibility while protecting future redevelopment prospects downtown. After a procedural discussion about final wording, council voted to adopt the ordinance with the amendment and directed staff and counsel to finalize the exact language for the formal ordinance document.
Supporters on the dais argued the attraction will bring nighttime foot traffic to downtown restaurants and bars; some members urged caution that the arrangement not permanently encumber public parking should future downtown development change demand. Staff noted the conditional‑use approval does not grant permanent exclusive rights to public spaces and that the annual pre‑season review remains mandatory.
