Mokena Officials OK Special Use Permit For Children's Party Facility

Mokena IL

26 January, 2021

2:32 PM

Description

By Jon DePaolis, the Richard Free Press: MOKENA, Ill. — A new children's party facility is coming to town after the Village of Mokena Board of Trustees approved a special use permit Monday, Jan. 25, for the business. Edward Lunsford, on behalf of Fortress Royalty Parties, petitioned the Village for the special use permit to operate a children's party facility in the building located at 9700 W. 197th St. in the Normal Business Park. The building is divided into nine tenant spaces, with Fortress Royalty Parties proposing to occupy about 2,400 square feet of the 30,000-square-foot building. "Special use permits are required for indoor recreation when in the I-1 light industrial district, however, they are permitted when in the commercial zoning," said Economic and Community Development Director Alan Zordan during the meeting. The business is seeking to host children's parties with themed rooms — such as manicures and pedicures, costumes and gaming. "Each party room will include two staff members to monitor children," Zordan noted. "The food will all be brought in as pre-ordered and pre-packaged types of items." Zordan said the target age range for the parties will be 5 to 12 years old, and permission slips will be required for each child to attend. Parents also will be required to show proof of identity when picking up their children. The proposed hours of operation for the business are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday; and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday through Sunday. The business will be closed Monday and Tuesday. Zordan said the business owner agreed as part of the special use permit to install acoustical soundproofing in any shared wall or ceiling if it is deemed necessary. He also noted a provision in the special use permit. "The special use permit to allow the indoor recreational facility is subject to revocation if Village regulations are not followed," he said. The board members voted 4-1 to approve the permit, with Trustee Joseph Budzyn casting the dissenting ballot. Trustee George Metanias was absent. Village Board recognizes former state representative Earlier in the meeting, the Village Board honored former Illinois State Rep. Margo McDermed, who decided to not seek re-election in the 37th District this past fall after having served in the role since 2014. "I know how much time you put in down there and what you've meant for us," Mayor Frank Fleischer said after a proclamation was read recognizing McDermed. "I think I can speak for the residents of Mokena: Thank you for what you've done for us, the bills that you tried to get through, and the money that you tried to get for our community. "We appreciate you very much." McDermed said that retiring during a pandemic has been "kind of strange." But she said it was a privilege to serve the district. "Everything that I could do, it was my pleasure," she said. "I really enjoyed it. Meeting so many cool people in Mokena and so many young people that are doing things here in our Village, and so many wonderful businesses here. That's one of the fun things about being a state rep — you get to see all the people that are contributing so much to our community as volunteers and bringing their businesses here." About her decision to step away, McDermed said she is turning 70 years old this year and decided it was "time to pass the baton." She said State Rep. Tim Ozinga, who was elected to the position in November, will be a "wonderful representative for Mokena." She closed by stating that she enjoyed working with the constituents and the local municipalities. "It's one of the best chapters of my life, and I'm ready to retire," she said, laughing. Trustee Joseph Siwinski told the former state legislator that she "represented us very well." "You've done an exceptional job, and I thank you for that," he said. "Mr. Ozinga has some big shoes to fill, but I believe he's up for the task. I think he's going to do a great job." Get 30% off for 1 year Richard Free Press is a one-stop destination for the news that most affects you, the southwest suburban resident. Be an informed citizen of the town you live in and love.