Keep Burr Ridge family friendly; Stop the bars and nightclubs

Burr Ridge IL

08 January, 2021

12:11 PM

Description

We're on the verge of the nightmarish scene in the iconic Christmas movie "It's a Wonderful Life"when George Bailey learns what the world would be like without him. In the vision presented by his guardian angel, George's beloved town of Bedford Falls has descended into corruption and sleaze in his absence. It's been renamed Pottersville and is now filled with sordid entertainment venues, crime, and amoral people. We must stop this nightmare from becoming real-life in Burr Ridge. The agenda before the Village Board on Monday, January 11th will include a vote for final approval of a nightclub (Halleran) that was euphemistically promoted as wine-themed restaurant. It's anything but. The plans for the place (see page 77 of the December 14th, 2020 board packet) show that it's actually an enormous 4200 square foot club, with a stage, multiple bars, and mostly bar seating. It looks more like a strip club or casino, with high roller tables and booths, than a suburban wine-themed restaurant like our beloved Coopers Hawk. That's why I'll be pushing the board to deny final approval and the public should too. If it is approved, Burr Ridge will be on a fast and slippery road to becoming Pottersville. Recently Capri owner Gigi Rovito bragged in an Instagram video, which he has since taken down, about his new dance club opening soon in County Line Square. He even had a sign posted advertising the place and judging from the videos he shared, it appears he is inside of a fully built-out bar and nightclub space. "I want my customers to understand there's something exciting going on in Burr Ridge two doors down from the restaurant," Rovito said in the video. "Listen, it's got energy, it's got ambiance, the music is old school, like back in the '70s. I'm telling you, you better put on your dancing shoes when you come here. It's going to be available after the holidays." But Rovito, a convicted violent rapist who is close friends with our mayor, never sought code or board approval for his new club. Code violations of this nature normally result in citations and daily fines. I asked interim Village Administrator Evan Walter and code enforcement officer Andrez Beltran to investigate, and, if warranted, fine Rovito for violations. They have yet to respond to my requests. As a Trustee, Village policy allows me to add agenda items to any meeting, so I have asked Evan Walter to add a discussion about nightclubs and bars in Burr Ridge for Monday's meeting. I have also asked for a discussion about halting the approval for Halleran's new nightclub and bar. Crime is already on the rise in our town. Nightclubs and gambling –yes, I expect we'll soon see a proposal for video gaming too -- will attract even more criminals from beyond our borders. After all, Halleran, one of the men who wants a new bar in town, asked the board in 2018 to allow video gaming. And Grasso, who works closely with casino operators, also spoke in favor of bringing video gaming to Burr Ridge in 2018. Apprehension about allowing bars and night clubs into our leafy suburban towns extends beyond Burr Ridge. The difference is the elected officials in other towns share the concerns of the residents. Hinsdale's Board recently debated whether they should permit a high-end men's clothing store to serve drinks. "I get a little concerned that we are inching toward bars," Hinsdale Trustee Scott Banke said at the board meeting. "It gives me pause. I would be interested if anyone shares that concern." It's shocking that none of the other Burr Ridge Trustees who make up Grasso's rubber-stamp board share my similar concerns about allowing bars and nightclubs to open in Burr Ridge. Burr Ridge is a quiet and peaceful family-friendly town. For years residents have been asking for more family dining options in town. A few decades ago, Burr Ridge soundly rejected the idea of a large movie theater in town because folks were worried it would bring the wrong element. Even though years have passed, I can't imagine residents now prefer bars, night clubs, and eventually gambling. Let's keep Burr Ridge a "Very Special Place." Residents need to both speak up and show up at the meeting on Monday, before Grasso and his rubber-stamp board change our name to Pottersville.