Roberto's Suffers Setback In Neighbor Dispute

ELMHURST, IL — A key City Council committee on Monday rejected a request from Roberto's Ristorante to build parking lots that neighbors oppose.

By a 2-1 vote, the Development, Planning and Zoning Committee recommended the full council vote against the project, which would need an exemption from zoning rules.

In May, the Zoning and Planning Commission voted 5-2 for the restaurant's proposal after holding 15 hours of public hearings.

Despite the setback, Roberto's still has hope it could prevail. Alderwoman Dannee Polomsky, chairwoman of the Development, Planning and Zoning Committee, was the lone vote in favor of the restaurant. She said she would speak with the city's staff, the restaurant's representatives and neighbors in an attempt to find a solution.

The neighbors opposed the parking lots, saying they would result in more flooding, noise and traffic. The lots would be within a few feet of some houses.

This lot on Eggleston Avenue was once the site of a house behind Roberto's Ristorante, 483 Spring Road. The restaurant bought it and demolished it to make way for a parking lot. (David Giuliani/Patch)

Roberto's, however, contended the lots would alleviate parking issues in the Spring Road business district.

At the meeting, Alderman Mark Mulliner said that while he believed Roberto's served "phenomenal" pizza, he would vote to reject the proposal.

"I don't think this is an appropriate parking lot. The neighbors have demonstrated their concerns. They have taken a very bold stand," he said. "Roberto's said that this is what they would like to do. I don't see a compromise at this point."

Polomsky twice said she would not want a parking lot next to her house. But she said she wanted to explore opportunities where the restaurant could get its parking lots with conditions that would recognize the neighbors' concerns.

"I will work with staff, neighbors and the applicant to come up with what I think is feasible and reasonable and still allows for the use and also allows for something more fitting with the neighborhood," she said.

Alderwoman Emily Bastedo said she doubted Roberto's would accept any conditions more restrictive than those proposed by the Zoning and Planning Commission. After the commission's decision, Roberto's attorney laid out the case against the conditions.

The matter next goes to the City Council, which could take up the issue in early September.

During the hearings, the neighbors' attorney alleged the restaurant had a number of zoning violations in its back area. At Monday's meeting, Polomsky said any outstanding issues had been taken care of.

This is the back of Roberto's Ristorante, 483 Spring Road. An attorney for neighbors alleged a number of code violations in this area. The city says the issues have been corrected. (David Giuliani/Patch)