OAK PARK
Store set to seek OK for parking lot
The Oak Park Village Board has approved the sale of a village-owned building on South Oak Park Avenue to Pan’s Foods Center for $325,000.
The owners of the small grocery store intend to tear down the building at 828 S. Oak Park Ave. and use the property for a parking lot for the next few years. When the economy improves, they may use the property to enhance their business, which is next door at 824 S. Oak Park Ave., said Village Manager Tom Barwin.
However, a variance will first be needed to use the first 50 feet of the property for a parking lot. If that variance is not granted, the sale will not go forward. The variance request is expected to go before the village’s Zoning Board of Appeals this summer.
The idea of building a parking lot in the middle of the block was not a popular one initially, but as the economy has soured the importance of assisting a locally owned business, especially a grocery store, has increased, Barwin said.
— Victoria Pierce
ITASCA
Permanent monitor sought for noise
The Village of Itasca is requesting a permanent noise monitor from the Chicago Department of Aviation to assess O’Hare International Airport air traffic noise levels over the village.
Data from the monitor could be used to determine if schools, public buildings and even private residences qualify for noise abatement funds, according to Village Trustee Michael Latoria, who has participated in meetings with the O’Hare Noise Compatibility Commission.
Village Administrator David Williams said a permanent monitor likely would be placed along the Irving Park Corridor near the site of a planned new runway.
The village has used a temporary monitor for 18 months. The temporary monitor has helped “to establish a baseline and get the day-night noise levels,” Latoria said.
“Our issue behind securing this is to ensure the quality of life here and in neighboring towns,” Latoria said. “There already is a permanent monitor in Arlington Heights, but for places like us, Wood Dale and Roselle, that monitor is too far away.”
Williams said he anticipated getting approval.
— David Sharos
GENEVA
Church gets OK to use property
Geneva aldermen have approved a request for CrossPointe Bible Church to operate in a portion of the first floor of 27 N. Bennett St., which is the location of Geneva Place retirement community.
The property is in a business district that runs along Illinois Highway 38, known as State Street in downtown Geneva.
The property is part of a planned unit development, but the church was not part of the original PUD. A special-use amendment of the city’s zoning ordinance was required to allow for the church’s use of the property.
No modifications to the interior or exterior of the building have been proposed, and the only visible changes would be the addition of a window sign and the modification of a free-standing sign.
— Barbara Kois
NAPERVILLE
Open house set on Downtown Plan
The City of Naperville will host an open house July 23 to provide residents with information about its Downtown Plan.
The city is updating the plan through 2030. It was last updated in 2000. The open house will be from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in Meeting Rooms A, B and C at the Naperville Municipal Center, 400 S. Eagle St. Representatives from the city will be available to address any questions. Visit naperville.il.us/napervilledowntown2030.aspx.
