West Cook News

Village of Berkeley Planning & Zoning Commission met Jan. 28

Here is the minutes provided by the commission:

1 Chairman Hurley called the meeting to order at 6:34 p.m.

Present: Chairman Patrick Hurley, Commissioner Paul Bullard, Commissioner Larry Lantero and Commissioner Gustavo Villafana

Absent: Commissioner Jackie Jones and Commissioner Bruce Routen

Also present: Village Administrator Espiritu, Assistant to the Village Administrator Miller, Trustee Hammar, Village Attorney Smith and Fire Chief Kuryla

2 Pledge of Allegiance

3 Public hearing regarding a proposed variation from the regulations of the Zoning Ordinance of Berkeley, Illinois, to allow 5844 West Elm Avenue to be improved by the building of one (1) garage, which improvement may only be permitted if a variation is granted to the Village of Berkeley Zoning Ordinance requirement that no accessory structure be within ten feet (10’) of a principal structure, in Section 12-6-2.G. of the Village of Berkeley Zoning Ordinance and swearing in of speakers

Village Administrator Espiritu informed the Committee that an application was submitted by Mr. Delise to request a garage be built on his property. However, because the lot that his house is on is unique it requires a variation from the regulations to be granted. Fire Chief /Building Commissioner Kuryla explained to the Commissioners that the report from our zoning consultant, Teska, indicated they have no issue with the garage being built 6-7 feet away from Mr. Delise’s home. Fire Chief /Building Commissioner Kuryla indicated the Fire Department has no issue with it as well. Chairman Hurley and the Commissioners had some questions that were addressed to their satisfaction.

4 Motion to approve findings of fact and recommendation to the Village Board regarding an application for an accessory structure separation variation at 5844 West Elm Avenue, Berkeley, Illinois

Commissioner	Motion	Second	Ayes	Nays	Absent	Abstain
Jackie Jones					X
Paul Bullard	X		X
Larry Lantero		X	X
Bruce Routen					X
Gustavo Villafana			X
Chairman Hurley			X

MOTION CARRIED

5 Public hearing regarding a proposed text amendment to the Zoning Ordinance of Berkeley, Illinois, to add “banquet hall / event space” as a special use in the B-1 Local Business District and swearing in of speakers. The Planning and Zoning Commission will also hold a public hearing on a request that if the text amendment is granted, that the Village grant a special use permit to allow a banquet hall / event space to operate at 5241 – 5245 St. Charles Road, Berkeley, Illinois

Village Administrator Espiritu informed the Commissioners that the new owner of 5245 St. Charles Road, Shaun Sharma, will be presenting on his concept for the property, entitled Dream. For this concept to occur, the Village will require the creation of a special use in zoning, creation of a Class A-1 liquor license and approval of a video gaming license. The Planning and Zoning Commission will need to make a recommendation adding banquet halls / event spaces to the zoning code and recommendation issuing a special use permit for 5241 – 5245 St. Charles Road.

After Mr. Sharma presented, Chairman Hurley and the Commissioners had several questions and concerns (Maximum Capacity and Parking being the biggest concerns). A through discussion between all parties was done and although there were some differences, Chairman Hurley and the Commissioners agreed that they would like to meet again, once Mr. Sharma has the Parking Plan complete.

6 Motion to approve findings of fact and recommendation to the Village Board regarding an application for a proposed text amendment to add banquet halls and event spaces as special uses in the B-1 Local Business District

Commissioner	Motion	Second	Ayes	Nays	Absent	Abstain
Jackie Jones					X
Paul Bullard				X
Larry Lantero	X		X
Bruce Routen					X
Gustavo Villafana		X	X
Chairman Hurley			X

MOTION CARRIED

7 Motion to approve findings of fact and recommendation to the Village Board regarding an application for a special use permit for a banquet hall and event space at 5241 – 5245 St. Charles Road, Berkeley, Illinois

Continue Public Hearing to February 23, 2021

Commissioner	Motion	Second	Ayes	Nays	Absent	Abstain
Jackie Jones					X
Paul Bullard		X	X
Larry Lantero	X		X
Bruce Routen					X
Gustavo Villafana			X
Chairman Hurley			X

Voice Vote

MOTION CARRIED

8 Chairman’s Report- No Report

9 Chairman Hurley adjourned the meeting at 7:49 pm

Commissioner	Motion	Second	Ayes	Nays	Absent	Abstain
Jackie Jones					X
Paul Bullard	X		X
Larry Lantero			X
Bruce Routen					X
Gustavo Villafana		X	X
Chairman Hurley			X

https://www.berkeley.il.us/vertical/Sites/%7BB4877CC9-5533-47FA-94DE-B3C09F1665AB%7D/uploads/January_28_2021_PZC_Minutes.pdf