Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Land Use topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Palos Heights ZBA backs Studio 88 special-use permit with 9 p.m. closing requirement
Summary
The Zoning Board of Appeals voted 5–0 April 29 to recommend approval of a special-use permit allowing Studio 88 to operate a barbershop at 7217 W. 127th Street, conditioned on the establishment closing no later than 9 p.m. daily.
The City of Palos Heights Zoning Board of Appeals voted unanimously April 29 to recommend approval of a special-use permit for Studio 88, a barbershop proposed for 7217 W. 127th Street. Commissioner John Hanley made the motion; Commissioner Thomas Gregory seconded, and the motion passed by roll call vote.
The petitioner, Mazen Kahlil (DBA Studio 88), told the board he is acquiring the assets of the previous tenant, Lush Color Bar & Salon, and plans to open with two employees. Kahlil proposed hours of Monday–Saturday 10 a.m.–9 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m.–7 p.m. The docket lists the property PIN as 23-25-204-003-0000.
During discussion, Commissioner John Hanley questioned why a barbershop would operate as late as 9 p.m.; Chairman Jim Hughes asked that the special-use permit include a condition restricting hours. The motion adopted by the board stipulated that the establishment "closes no later than 9pm Sun-Sat." The board vote was 5–0 in favor (Jim Hughes, Robert Starzyk, John Hanley, Jack Shanahan, Thomas Gregory).
A public commenter, Susan Jayna, asked whether other barbershops operate in town and whether Studio 88 would employ licensed barbers. Assistant City Administrator Aimee Ingalls responded that the city collects license documentation at the time of business license application.
The ZBA's recommendation is a zoning decision; any required business licensing remains a separate administrative process. The ZBA meeting minutes from this special meeting will be presented for approval at the regular ZBA meeting on May 13, 2026.
