Frankfort Plan Commission Recommends Special Use Permit for Phillips Chevrolet Parking Lot Expansion

Two public hearings were held during the May 26 Frankfort Plan Commission meeting, both resulting in approvals for special use permits.

owner Curtis Pascarella was present to field any questions resulting from his requested parking lot expansion plans.

One homeowner voiced concerns. Jerald O'Sullivan, whose property is directly north of the proposed lot, inquired about landscaping plans which call for 39 oak trees, grouped in threes, to be planted along the north boundary line to provide a screen for residents.

However, O'Sullivan believes fewer, but more mature, trees might offer more privacy. Pascarella indicated he would be willing to work with the village to revise the landscaping plans accordingly.

O'Sullivan also asked how early construction equipment was permitted to begin working. Village staffer Zach Brown said that the village does have a construction noise ordinance in place and promised to follow up with the homeowner on exact times.

Brown reiterated that plans call for extensive landscaping with native plants and (currently) 39 oak trees, as well as privacy slats in the chain link fencing and lights on 25-foot poles which shine directly down.

"I know you've been very good about helping the neighbors out," chairman Donnell Schwarz said, commending Pascarella's willingness to work with nearby residents.

After the meeting, Pascarella, Brown and Mayor Jim Holland met with the O'Sullivans to continue to work through their concerns.

Pascarella anticipates that construction will begin mid-June and last for two to three months.

In other business, commissioners began reviewing the request of owner Don Keane to create an outdoor seating area.

With no public objection, commissioners agreed to recommend that the village approve that special use permit with conditions.

Keane plans to use a high wrought iron fencing -- three to four feet high -- to enclose a 6 table/12 patron seating area on the south side of his business at 17 Old Frankfort Way.

Brown noted that, although a small part of the area falls outside of the State of Illinois' 15-foot no smoking boundary line, Keane will not permit any smoking on his patio.

In addition, Keane said he will not offer live music on the patio and will close the seating area at 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, in keeping with the same hours previously established for neighboring business La Dolce Vita's al fresco dining.

The permit was approved with these conditions and is also contingent upon the village's 1890's Committee approving Stray Bar's request for a 16-foot retractable awning to shade a portion of the seating area.

Both special use permit recommendations will go before the for a vote on Monday, June 6.