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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/24/2001 ZBA minutes 09-2001 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE MOUNT PROSPECT ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS CASE NO. ZBA-09-2001 Hearing Date: May 24, 2001 PETITIONER: Terry & Maria Philippas 610 W. Lonnquist Blvd. PUBLICATION DATE: May 9, 2001 Journal/Topics REQUEST: Conditional Use to operate a Pool Hall at 1753 W. Golf Road, Mount Prospect Commons Shopping Center MEMBERS PRESENT: Merrill Cotten Hal Ettinger Leo Floros Richard Rogers Keith Youngquist Arlene Juracek, Chairperson MEMBERS ABSENT: none STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT: Judy Connolly, AICP, Senior Planner Mike Blue, AICP, Community Development Deputy Director INTERESTED PARTIES: Terry & Maria Philippas Chairperson Arlene Juracek called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m. The minutes of the April 26, 2001 meeting were approved 6-0. At 8:50, after two other cases were heard, Ms. Juracek introduced Case No. ZBA-09-01, a request for a Conditional Use to operate a Pool Hall at 1753 W. Golf Road, Mount Prospect Commons Shopping Center. Judy Connolly, Senior Planner, introduced the staff memorandum for the case. The petitioner is seeking a Conditional Use to establish a billiard hall inside a portion of the former World Gym at the Mount Prospect Commons Shopping Center. It would occupy 6,000 square feet of vacant space. The Zoning Ordinance lists the proposed use as a Conditional Use in the B3 Community Shopping Zoning District, but as a permitted use in the B4 Business, Retail, and Service Zoning District. Ms. Connolly said that, according to the petitioners, the proposed Breakers Billiards & Cafe would provide an attractive, safe and clean environment to play the sport of billiards in its authentic tradition. In addition, they'll have a Pro Shop, provide lessons, and host tournaments and leagues. There is a caf6 component &the project for customers to purchase specialty drinks, sandwiches, and flavored coffees, but no alcohol, as it will be a family-orientated business, open to all ages. Ms. Connolly reported the surrounding Zoxfmg and land uses as CR Conservation Recreation - Clearwater Park to the north, B3 Community Shopping District - Golf Plaza I (Restaurants, Grocery Store, Retail Stores, etc.) to the south, B4 Business Retail & Service - Gas Station to the east and to the west - RX Single Family Residence - Single Family Residences and CR Conservation Recreation - Clearwater Park The proposed use is a Conditional Use in the B-3 Community Shopping zoning district. The proposal requires approval of a Conditional Use by the Village Board, following a public hearing with, and recommendation by, the Zoning Board of Appeals. The proposed use would be located in an existing structure and minor alterations to the structure are necessary to accommodate a new tenant. Ms. Counolly said the Village's Comprehensive Plan designates the Mount Prospect Commons Shopping Center for community commercial uses. The proposed entertairtment facility is an appropriate use within this designation. She also said that the Police Department has reviewed the proposal and does not have any concerns regarding the proposed Billiards Establishment and that the Crime Prevention Bureau indicated that the Police Department surveyed similar Zoning Board of Appeals ZBA-09-2001 Arlene Juracek, Chairperson Page 2 Billiard Establishments, including those that sold alcohol. They found that the type of clients attracted to a b_igh-end, alcohol-free, family-orientated businesses do not create a nuisance. The Bureau said that they would monitor the parking lot and adjacent areas to ensure that people do not hang around and/or disturb people at the shopping center or the neighbors. Ms. Connolly reported that the Village Manager's Office reviewed the proposal and recommended that school age patrons not be admitted during school hours or until 3pm on weekdays. In addition, adult supervision should be on- site at all times and further recommended that minors should not supervise minors. Ms. Connolly noted that the proposed Conditional Use would be located in the Mount Prospect Shopping Center, which is in the B-3 Community Shopping District. Minor changes to the exterior of the structure are proposed, but the development would have limited impact on the adjacent neighborhoods, utility provision or public streets. The proposed conditional use would be in compliance with the Comprehensive Plan and the Zoning Ordinance requirements in that it meets the Standards for a Conditional Use because the Breakers Billiards & Caf6 would not have a detrimental effect on the public health, safety, morals, comfort or general welfare. It would not be injurious to the use, enjoyment, or value other properties in the vicinity or impede the orderly development of those properties; and that it complies with the provisions of the Comprehensive Plan, Zoning Code, and other Village Ordinances. Ms. Connolly said that, based on the above, the proposed amusement establishment would comply with the standards established by the Zoning Ordinance. Staff, therefore, recommends approval of a conditional use for a 6,000 square foot Billiards Breakers & Caf6 at Mount Prospect Shopping Center, Case No. ZBA-09-01, subject to the following conditions: 1) An attendant who is at least 21 years old must be on duty at the facility at all times when the facility is open to the public; and 2) Patrons under 18 years of age are prohibited from the establishment until 3pm on weekdays. 3) If, at any time, the Village Manager, in consultation with the Police Department, determines that there is a need for additional security at this facility, a security officer acceptable to the Police Department will be provided, as required. Arlene Juracek asked Ms. Connolly if public notice had been given and Ms. Counolly said yes. Ms. luracek also asked for clarification of the proposed hours of operation, would students be banned weekdays before 3 p.m. or just schooldays. Ms. Connolly said it would be just schooldays, not when schools were closed. Mr. Rogers thought the space was too small for the proposed operations. Ms. Connolly said the petitioners were still working with the property owners on the size and layout of the space to be occupied. Terry & Maria Philippas were sworn in. They stated they had done a review of the area and engaged many people in conversation regarding a billiard hall in the shopping center. They said that most people thought it would be good for the community, especially when they learned it would be a family oriented business, sponsoring parent/child leagues and special senior citizen events. Mrs. Philippas said it would be a place for the whole family to come and learn billiards and enjoy a snack in the caf6 area. They plan to serve cappuccino, sodas, "shishies", sub sandwiches and snack items. The sandwiches will be made on-site. Mr. Philippas said they will close at midnight on weekdays and 2 a.m. on weekends. Leo Floras said he remembered a pool hall attempting to open about ten years ago and that it had encountered overwhelming resistance. He said he was surprised to note that no one in the audience had come to contest the request. Mr. Philippas said the attitude towards pool and billiards had changed greatly in recent years. Pool is much more acceptable and sought after these days, especially a family oriented operation like the one they planned to provide. Ms. Juracek agreed with that observation pointing out that this business would not have a liquor license and would require another hearing to obtain a license. Mr. Rogers asked Mr. Philippas if he planned to manage the establishment full time. Mr. Philippas said he and his wife would manage the business on a full-time basis. oning Board of Appeals ZBA-09-2001 Arlene Juracek, Chairperson Page 3 At 9:05, Chairperson Juracek closed the public hearing and asked for discussion from the Zoning Board members. Merrill Cotten moved to recommend to the Village Board approval of Case No. ZBA-09-01, a request for a Conditional Use to operate a Pool Hall at 1753 W. Golf Road, Mount Prospect Commons Shopping Center, with the conditions listed in the staff report, but condition #2 revised to read "Patrons under 18 years of age are prohibited from the establishment until 3pm on schooldays". Keith Youngquist seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL: AYES: Cotten, Floros, Ettinger, Youngquist, and Jumcek NAYS: Rogers Motion was approved 5-1. At 9:10 p.m., Richard Rogers made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Leo Floros. The motion was approved by a voice vote and the meeting was adjourned. Barbara Swiatek, Planning Secretary Judy Connolly, Senior Planner