West Cook News

Village of Berkeley Planning & Zoning Commission met March 23.

Here is the minutes provided by the commission:

1 Chairman Hurley called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.

Present: Chairman Patrick Hurley, Commissioner Jackie Jones, Commissioner Paul Bullard and Commissioner Bruce Routen

Absent: Commissioner Larry Lantero and Commissioner Gustavo Villafana

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 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, Shaun Sharma of “Dreams” worked with the Fire Department, Attorney, and the Village to address the Capacity and Parking concerns that the Commissioners had at the January, 2021 PZC meeting. The agreed total capacity for “Dreams” is 270 and the total parking spaces needed are 68 (4 people per car).

The Commissioners had several questions regarding the different activities that will be held at Dreams, the total of slot machines, the use of the outdoor space after a certain time, as well as the parking on residential streets close to the business.

Village Administrator informed the Commissioners that 6 slot machines are the max that “Dreams” can have. Mr. Sharma informed the Commission that he would give a map to those who rent the space so they can share with their guests and know where parking is permitted. The Police Department will be patrolling as always. The Commissioners suggested residential parking signs for streets close to the business. There may be some impact on the residential streets, however Mr. Sharma agrees with the residential parking signs, putting verbiage in the contracts regarding parking, as wells as, consider valet parking and coming back to meet with PZC in the future if it becomes a problem.

4 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

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

MOTION CARRIED

5 Chairman’s Report – No report

6 Next Meeting – April 27, 2021 at 6:30 p.m.

7 Chairman Hurley adjourned the meeting at 7:34 pm

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

https://www.berkeley.il.us/vertical/Sites/%7BB4877CC9-5533-47FA-94DE-B3C09F1665AB%7D/uploads/March_23_2021_PZC_Minutes.pdf