0:04Nope, nope, it's July.
0:07It's the Thursday, July 16th meeting of the Zoning Board of Appeals.
0:15Well, sorry, this is a duly advertised meeting of the Juliet Zoning Board of Appeals in the zoning board's capacity.
0:21They hear petitions for relief from the strict provisions from the city ordinance.
0:27In matters of this type, the decision of the zoning board is final in respect that it does not go to the mayor or city council for further action.
0:35However, if you disagree with the decision of the zoning board of appeals, you have recourse in the court of record.
0:42The zoning board of appeals also hears petitions for variations of land use.
0:48In matters of this type, the zoning board of appeals acts as an advisory committee to the mayor and city council, making a recommendation either for or against them.
0:58The final decision on land use is made by the mayor and the city council.
1:03Secretary, will you please call the roll?
1:19At this time, we are going to staff is requesting a change to the order of the agenda for one agenda item.
1:29Staff is recommending we move up number 7A under new business election of chair.
1:36To do that, we would like a motion to move up agenda item 7A, election of chair.
1:44Okay, we have a motion accept.
1:51At this time, um, we do need an election a new chair for the zoning board of appeals.
1:58Ed Hennessey is no longer on the zoning board, so this would be an action item that is needed to continue.
2:07I would like to nominate Jane Schmig.
2:12Okay, we have a nomination or motion to nominate Jane Schmig.
2:19Okay, we have a motion and a second for Ms.
2:22Jane Schmig to be chair of the zoning board of appeals.
2:26Is there any discussion on this?
2:32With that, um, let's do a roll vote for Ms.
2:41Jane Schmig to be the chair of the zoning board of appeals.
2:57Jane Schmig will be the new chair of the zoning board of appeals.
3:03This brings us back on the normal course for the agenda.
3:07Number four, citizens to be heard on agenda items.
3:12Oh, yeah, you're right.
3:16Next on the agenda is approval of the June 18th, 2026 Zoning Board of Appeals minutes.
3:27Okay, we have a motion and a second.
3:38Okay, those are approved.
3:40Next, we have citizens to be heard on agenda items.
3:43This section is for anyone wanting to speak regarding items listed on the agenda, except for items listed under public hearing.
3:52We have no agenda items that are not public hearing today.
3:56So if you are here in attendance, um, you are welcome to speak under citizens to be heard on agenda items, but it would be more appropriate if you spoke under the public hearing item so that it's part of the court of record.
4:09Is there anyone here who would like to speak under citizens to be heard on agenda items?
4:17Next on the agenda is old business public hearing, of which we have no agenda items, which brings us to new business public hearing.
4:25And during the public hearing, staff is going to read the staff report, and then the applicant will be asked to come up and make additional comments on their request.
4:35And then following the staff report and applicant remarks, a public comment period will be held on each agenda item.
4:41Um each speaker under the public comment period during this public hearing will be given four minutes to address the commission and remarks should be directed to the commissioners rather than staff, the applicant, or other members of the audience.
5:00Okay, first on the agenda is petition 2026 29, which is a variation of use to allow administrative offices and RB restricted business use within an existing residential structure in the R2 single family zoning district, and the location is 317 South Reed Street.
5:18The applicant in this matter is Brian Patel, representing the UCP Center for Disability Services Inc.
5:27And the status of the applicant is property owner.
5:33Under purpose, the applicant is requesting a variation of use to allow administrative offices for the United Cerebal Policy Center for Disability Services within the existing residential structure at 317 South Reed Street.
5:54The subject site is within the R2 single family residential district, which does not permit office uses.
6:00The variation of use request must be considered by the city council following the recommendation of the Zoning Board of Appeals.
6:07For site specific information.
6:10The subject site is 80 feet by 131 feet and contains a one-story residential house and a rear one-car detached garage.
6:19The property is zoned R2 single family residential.
6:23The north side of the site is adjacent to the property at 311 South Reed Street, which contains the headquarters and educational campus for the UCP Center for Disability Services.
6:34The center's property is the former Reedwood Public School site that currently contains a school building, an outdoor playground, a cell tower, and its ground equipment, and around 65 parking spaces.
6:45UCP Center for Disability Services provides comprehensive programs and services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to promote independence and a high quality of life.
6:57The center offers a therapeutic day school and community day services in the existing building.
7:03The center also provides home-based services such as therapy, life skills training, and respite care within clients' own homes.
7:11The school is licensed through the Illinois State Board of Education, and the day services and home-based services programs are licensed through the Illinois Department of Human Services.
7:22The organization has been operating in Joliet since around 1955.
7:27The center first occupied the site at 311 South Reed Street in 1985.
7:32In 2005, City Council approved a special use permit to allow adult training and educational programming at the site in addition to the existing day school.
7:42The main facility contains the center's administrative offices as well as classroom and programming space.
7:50The center purchased the property at 317 South Reed Street in May of 26, 2026.
7:56According to the petitioner, the subject property was vacant prior to their purchase and has experienced significant deterioration in deferred maintenance.
8:06For surrounding zoning land use and character, the property is located in the Reedwood neighborhood on the west side of Reed Street between Morgan Street and Fisk Avenue.
8:15United Cerebral Policy Center for Disability Services is located to the north of the subject property at 311 South Reed Street.
8:23There are single family residences to the west, south, and east of the subject property.
8:28A public alley runs along the rear, which is the west side of the subject property.
8:34All surrounding properties are zoned R2 single family residential.
8:38For applicable regulations, we have section 47-10.14, which is restricted business district permitted uses.
8:47We have section 47-6, which is R2 single family residential district, and then Section 47-1728, which is variation of use.
8:59For discussion, the petitioner, Brian Patel, on behalf of UCP Center for Disability Services is requesting a variation of use to allow administrative offices for the center within the existing residential structure at 317 South Reed Street in the R2 single family residential zoning district.
9:18The offices would serve the main site at 311 South Reed Street.
9:22Approximately eight non-programmatic staff members would occupy the building, which would be used for administrative functions only.
9:29There would be no programming instruction or other client services held at 317 South Reed Street.
9:35Employees working at 317 South Reed Street would continue to park in the employee parking area at the main site at 311 South Reed Street, which has sufficient parking for all current and projected staff.
9:47The petitioner does not intend to use the driveway or garage at 317 South Reed Street for daily for daily employee parking, but it might use the garage to periodically store organizational vehicles.
10:01The petitioner states that the 317 South Reed Street property will maintain its residential appearance.
10:07There will be no exterior modifications inconsistent with the site's residential character.
10:12The petitioner does not intend to install any exterior signage at the subject property.
10:17The interior of the building will also retain its residential layout.
10:21The attached floor plans show the main floor, will contain several offices, meeting and workspace, a kitchen, and two bathrooms.
10:30The basement will contain another office, a meeting room, and a bathroom.
10:33According to the petitioner, all interior improvements, such as rehabilitation of the bedrooms and bathrooms, will be completed in a manner that preserves the residential character of the home.
10:42The structure will need to meet accessibility codes as part of the change of use from residential to office.
10:48The petitioner plans to install an ADA compliant entrance ramp at the front of the building for access to the main entrance.
10:54A plat of survey and floor plans are included in the staff report packet.
10:59The center wishes to use the property at 317 South Reed Street because of its specific location adjacent to the main campus.
11:06By moving administrative functions to the subject site, the center will be able to convert some of the office space at the main facility into an ad into additional special education classrooms, therapeutic programming areas, and disability related service space, thus increasing their service capacity to individuals within Joliet and the surrounding area.
11:27The petitioner's description of the proposal and in-depth response to the variation of use criteria is included in the staff report packet.
11:36The petitioner is willing to include conditions of the proposed variation of use that address the site's location within a residential neighborhood, including limiting the use of the site to office functions only, maintaining the exterior residential appearance of the structure and property, and retaining an interior residential layout.
11:54The petitioner also states that there will be no more than eight employees at the site and that these employees will continue to park at the adjacent main facility.
12:04For recommended action, staff finds that the request does not include an exceptional hardship, but it does meet the following variation of use criteria.
12:13The site has the unique circumstance of being adjacent to the main campus of the center, which is an existing institutional use that has been located in the middle of a residential neighborhood for around 40 years.
12:26The subject site is one of two lots directly adjacent to the center property.
12:30The petitioner is proposing the office use at the subject site specifically due to the site's adjacency to the main campus, which will allow access between the sites without disrupting other properties.
12:43The granting of the variation of use will not alter the essential character of the area if the proposed conditions are met.
12:50The petitioner has stated that they will not alter the exterior appearance of the property in a way that affects its residential character, nor will they reconfigure the interior into a commercial style layout.
13:02They also do not plan to use 317 South Reed Street or the adjacent street for employee parking, but will continue to supply off-street parking for all employees at the main facility.
13:15Approval of the variation of use would allow administrative offices for an adjacent institutional use within an existing residential structure.
13:24The office use would be an expansion of an existing institutional use within the neighborhood and would not alter the essential character of the area since the structure will remain residential in appearance.
13:36For recommended conditions, if the zoning board desires to approve this variation of use to allow administrative offices and RB restricted business use within an existing residential structure in the R2 single family residential zoning district at 317 South Reed Street, staff recommends that the following conditions be included.
13:57One, that the use of the site shall be limited to administrative office functions and shall not include client services or programmatic activities.
14:06Two, that the exterior of the property shall maintain its residential character and no exterior modifications shall be made to the structure that are not residential in style.
14:18Three, that the interior of the property shall maintain a layout typical to a residential use, and four that the use of the property shall not be expanded in the future, and then five uh should the property be declared a public nuisance, the property may be subject to a rehearing and possible revocation of the variation of use.
14:40And that concludes staff's report.
14:46Please come forward to the podium.
14:50Do you swear your statements to be true?
14:53Could you please state your name and address for the record?
14:58Home or work address.
15:01311 South Reed Street, Joliet, Illinois.
15:05Do you have any questions or comments for the board?
15:08Um I don't have any questions for the board.
15:11Uh I just have a comment.
15:12Um thank you for the staff report.
15:14That was very detailed and thorough.
15:16Um it captured everything that we had talked with the planning commission about.
15:21Um so I just want to thank the staff for that report.
15:26Are there any comments or questions from the board?
15:32Um have you had any uh communication with the owner of 319 or 32?
15:40The I guess their residential properties right next to we haven't had any direct communication with those uh individuals directly.
15:49Um we did engage with the Reedswood Neighborhood Community Community Association to speak to that group as well.
15:56So I just don't know if someone in that group lives at that address, but I did meet with their uh monthly meeting um last month and talked to that whole group as a whole.
16:12Are there any other questions?
16:16Are there any questions or comments from the audience?
16:28Can you please state your name and address for the record?
16:32Um I'm a resident and I'm also co-chair of the Reedswood neighborhood group that he's talking about.
16:40And um I did poll, I have like 30 people on my database, and I polled up last night.
16:46They were all for it.
16:49Um five of them wrote letters.
16:53You have four minutes.
16:54They're not long at all.
16:57So mine is I'm a Reesewood resident, and I'm really excited when I heard UCP was buying the vacant house next door.
17:05The house has been empty for years, and I think squatters were even even staying there.
17:11Brian Patel has already done so much good for our community.
17:15He upgraded the center, and we're all thrilled to have it in our neighborhood.
17:20I'm just really grateful he's taking the next step to clean things up, make the area safer, and make our neighborhood better overall.
17:28Please vote yes for his petition.
17:32Approving this zoning change lets us turn a long-neglected previously squatted in-home into a safe, productive office space for UCP.
17:42Instead of remaining a problem property, it can become a place where they can better organize services, support families, and strengthen our neighborhood.
17:52This is a chance to replace Blight with purpose and create a space that truly serves our community.
18:00As a resident and neighbor in the Reederwood uh area, I am writing to express my strong support for Mr.
18:07Patel's acquisition of the property next door for office space.
18:11This project will be a positive addition to our neighborhood and will benefit all of us.
18:17The new center is a welcome improvement.
18:19Thank you for your consideration.
18:21I respectfully ask that you vote in favor of this proposal.
18:26Dear Planning Board, I think this will be an asset to our neighborhood.
18:31For many years, the home's yard was neglected.
18:34I recall years back during the pandemic, we held one of our meetings outside the center, and the grass and weeds were a foot high at the home next door.
18:44UPS CD U UPS, I'm sorry.
18:48UCP CDS Center, keep their property in immaculate condition.
18:53They have also they have also been very welcoming to our neighborhood, and we appreciate them.
18:59If there is anything we can do to support Mr.
19:02Patel in acquiring this property, please let us know.
19:05Sincerely, Kathy Speeler, she's also my co-chair for our group.
19:10To the members of the zoning board, I would like to state my support for the request for zoning of the property by the UCP Center in the Reedwood neighborhood.
19:18Ever since the closing of the elementary school, UCP has been a valued part of Joliet and our neighborhood.
19:25I believe the use of the property to continue the good work of UCP is worthy of your support.
19:38Are there any other comments or questions from the audience?
19:42Any other comments from the board or questions?
19:46Hearing none, then is there a motion to in order for petition 2026-29?
19:59We have a motion and a second.
20:00So then we're going to roll.
20:02And just to be clear, that was a motion to approve the position the position.
20:07Thank you for helping me learn.
20:16Chair Wilman Schmidt.
20:19This request for a variation of use will move on to the city council with a recommendation of approval.
20:27The staff planner you've been working with will let you know what council meeting it will be scheduled for.
20:42Next on the agenda is petition 2026 30, which is a special use permit to allow a resale boutique within an existing tenant space at the location of 124 North Ottawa Street.
20:59The applicant in this matter is Savannah Wilhelmy.
21:03The status of the applicant is a future tenant, and the owner of the building is 26 West Jefferson.
21:08Sorry, 26 West Clinton Street Building LLC.
21:14The applicant is requesting a special use permit to allow a resale boutique within an existing tenant space located at 124 North Ottawa Street.
21:23The City Council makes the final decision on this special use permit request upon the recommendation of the Zoning Board of Appeals.
21:31For site-specific information, the four-story brick building sits at the southeast corner of Ottawa and Clinton Streets on a quarter acre lot.
21:40The circa 1909 mixed use building was built for Hobbes family who ran the Hobbs Hotel for many years, after which it became known as the Hotel Plaza.
21:50The proposed business will occupy one ground floor tenant space in this building at 124 North Ottawa Street, which is at the southeast corner of Ottawa and Clinton Streets.
22:00For surrounding zoning, land use and character, this property as well as all properties in the general vicinity are zone B2 Central Business District.
22:10This is a mixed-use building that is surrounded by a mix of uses that include retail office, food and beverage service, banking, and residential.
22:18For applicable regulations, we have section 47-12.2A special uses in the B2 Central Business District, and Section 47-5.2C special use permit criteria.
22:33Under discussion, the applicant seeks to open a resale boutique to be known as Maison Mariana that would feature secondhand merchandise, including bridal excuse me, including apparel, bridal wear, tuxedo rental, special occasion wear, accessories, jewelry, home accents, and giftable keepsakes.
22:54Hours of operation for the business are still being finalized, but the applicant has expressed interest in staying open while downtown events occurred during nighttime and weekend hours.
23:06The city does require a special use permit for businesses where the majority of the merchandise is second hand.
23:14For recommended action, staff recommends that the zoning board of appeals recommend approval of the special use permit to allow a resale boutique within an existing tenant space located at 124 North Ottawa Street.
23:27The business would be situated within an existing mixed-use building that has hosted comparable retail businesses over the years.
23:35Staff has no reason to believe that the proposed business will produce negative public health, safety, or welfare issues, or would impede normally normal and orderly development of surrounding properties in any way.
23:49For suggested conditions of approval, if the zoning board of appeals desires to recommend approval of the special use permit request, staff recommends the following conditions be included.
24:00One that the special use granted shall herein terminate and lapse unless a building permit or certificate of occupancy is obtained not later than 180 days of the effective date of this ordinance and the erection or alteration of a building is started or the use is commenced within such period.
24:20And two, should the property be declared a public nuisance, it shall be subject to a rehearing and possible revocation of the special use permit.
24:27And that concludes staff's report.
24:33Umbe you said and maybe I was daydreaming.
24:37The upper floors are residential or business.
24:42I don't know if I actually said it in the we said it in the staff report, but the the upper three levels are residential.
24:48Yep, and the lower level is main level is um commercial space.
24:54Miss Wilhelmie, would you like to come to the podium?
25:02Do you swear your statements to be true?
25:04Could you please state your name and address for the record?
25:07Savannah Wilhelmy, 414 Buell Avenue, Joliet, Illinois.
25:12And do you have comments or questions for I'll just go ahead and introduce myself here?
25:17Thank you all for being here.
25:18My name's Savannah Wilhelmy.
25:20I'm a lifelong Joliet resident and have proudly owned and operated a successful salon on the west side of Joliet the past seven years.
25:30I've always had a passion for making people look and feel beautiful, and now I'd like to bring my attention to downtown Joliet.
25:41I've always believed downtown Joliette is the heart of the city, and I would love the opportunity to be a part of its continued growth and development.
25:51Um we did finalize some of the hours of operation.
25:56They'll be Monday through Friday, 11 to 5 p.m.
25:59and extended hours during downtown Joliet events.
26:03As mentioned, Mason Mariano is located at 124 North Ottawa Street, corner of Clinton and Ottawa.
26:11It's approximately 650 square feet.
26:15Our primary focus will be secondhand bridal selection.
26:20And it's actually among the few, if not only, secondhand bridal boutique in Joliet, so that'd be super exciting.
26:29And yes, as business uh grows, I'd also hope to introduce suite suit rentals for Will County courtgoers.
26:39I'd like to conclude and close by just saying that downtown Joliette is home to many outstanding business owners, and I would be honored to be one of them.
26:49I've watched my mother play a huge role the last 20 years owning Jitter's Coffee House, and I hope to bring my experience as a small business owner alongside with my passion of collecting beauty and competence to the downtown Joliet community.
27:06Thank you for your time and considering my request.
27:10Are there any comments or questions from the board?
27:17Are there any comments or questions from the audience?
27:22Hearing none, is there a motion for the petition to approve 26 2026 30?
27:32Can you call the roll?
27:44This request will move on to City Council with a recommendation for approval.
27:49Um, the staff planner will reach out to you and let you know which uh meeting it'll be scheduled for.
27:59Next on the agenda is petition number 2026 31, which is a special use permit to allow a truck repair facility within an existing maintenance and repair facility.
28:12The location is 608 Railroad Street.
28:16The applicant in this matter is TFR Fleet Parts and Services LLC, and the property owner is Trust 1361.
28:25Under purpose, the applicant is requesting a special use permit to open and operate a truck repair facility in an I2 General Industrial Zoning District located at 608 Railroad Street.
28:37This request must be considered by the city council following the recommendation from the zoning board of appeals.
28:44Under site specific information.
28:47The petition includes two parcels.
28:50The subject property, 608 Railroad Street, and the parcel to the north.
28:55The parcel subject to this request includes a single story warehouse and is approximately 3,011 square feet in size, and the lot is 0.47 acres in size.
29:09The second parcel is approximately 0.47 acres in size.
29:15The proposed truck repair facility will consist of a storage area in the rear, on say parking, and the warehouse where repairs will take place.
29:25For surrounding zoning, land use and character.
29:27To the north, we have I2 General Industrial, and it's an industrial use.
29:33To the south is I to General Industrial with industrial use.
29:37To the east is the Splanes River, and then to the west is an I-1 light industrial zoning with a vacant industrial uses.
29:47For applicable regulations, we have section 47-13.2AG special uses and section 47-5.2C criteria for issuance of a special use permit.
30:06For discussion, the applicant seeks to re-establish a truck repair facility at 608 Railroad Street.
30:12Truck repair facilities are allowed in the B3 General Business and Industrial Zoning Districts by special use permit approval by the mayor and city council.
30:21A previous special use permit was applied for in 2017 and granted.
30:27And this was to allow an auto and diesel truck repair shop.
30:31Special use permits lapse if the permitted special use ceases after one year, and uh in this case it did lapse, and therefore a new special use permit is required.
30:43The proposed hours of operation would be approximately 9 a.m.
30:47The facility would employ approximately three people.
30:51Adequate off-street parking is provided with five spaces.
30:55The current building has three repair bays, and all work would take place inside.
30:59The existing storage area in the rear will be used for storing vehicles that are awaiting parts or awaiting repair.
31:07Floor plans indicate an open shop with facilities for the employees to use.
31:12Floor plans and site plans are included in the packet.
31:16For requested action, staff finds that the proposed truck repair facility would not alter the essential character of the area.
31:22This is in an industrial area of the city in zoned I2 general industrial.
31:28The establishment of a truck repair facility would not be detrimental to the health or general welfare of the public.
31:35Additionally, the proposed use will not impede the use and enjoyment of surrounding properties.
31:41The repairs will take place indoors and minimal traffic will be generated.
31:47For conditions of approval.
31:49If the zoning board desires to approve the special use permit to allow a truck repair facility, the following conditions should be included.
31:59One that a business license shall be obtained prior to the use commencing.
32:03Two, a paved parking area with five striped spaces shall be re-established just south of the entry drive for the employee and vehicular visitor parking.
32:14No three, no temporary or long-term outdoor storage of truck truck trailers, trucks, sorry, trucks and trailers, inoperable vehicles, boats, recreational vehicles or parts, including tires, shall be permitted.
32:29Three, that the special use granted herein shall terminate and lapse unless a building permit or certificate of occupancy is obtained not later than 180 days of the effective date of this ordinance, and the erection or alteration of a building is started or the use is commenced within such a period.
32:48And five, should the property be declared a public nuisance, it may be subject to a rehearing and possible revocation of the special use permit.
32:56And that concludes staff's report.
32:59Do we have the petitioner present on this item?
33:06Do you swear to that your statements to be true?
33:09Could you please state your name and address?
33:12My name is Kutaikur Dikin.
33:13And the others is 608 Railroad Street, Juliet Illinois.
33:18We are the new tenant of the property.
33:21It's being used as truck maintenance shop, and they were missing their license renewed for I don't know for some times.
33:33And for the older uh property tenants.
33:38So we try to make it everything perfect.
33:41Uh we have our own trucks and trailers, and we have other businesses that we are providing.
33:50This is our kind of family business.
33:53Sarder, he's the 100% owner of the uh company, but he's in a work right now, and I'm the family member and also the operation manager for this business.
34:02But other than that, I do uh food distribution, import and export.
34:07So specifically for this area, uh C SP move, we try to improve the surrounding areas, outside parking nuts, the building inside and interior and exterior.
34:21We try to make it look better, but due to difficulties because of the road and the passing in front of it has some uh I think leveling problem being cleaned in the front of the building, but once it's ranked uh two weeks ago, maybe three weeks ago.
34:42It's bringing all the standards in front of the area.
34:48So uh we will operate this area for our trucks mostly.
34:53Uh we just want to make it things quick because uh we are always on the road and we provide our drivers and owner operators, a better service, no waiting time.
35:04So therefore we decide to have uh this building and this uh business.
35:10We are not doing any uh overnight parking or for the the rest of the area.
35:17We don't prefer to do any parking for them.
35:20It just trucks to wait there fixed and then leave the area.
35:25And other than that, if you have any questions, I would like to ask for.
35:31Are there any questions or comments from the board?
35:34You say you have a fleet if you're not parking them here.
35:37What or else are they be a part?
35:39They will be on the road.
35:40The fleet that we use, uh we have our own uh people that they are finding load to them, and they never come here.
35:49They are just visiting tire change, oil chain, and then they continue to drive.
35:55We don't keep fleet for local uh deliveries or local operations, it's on interstate.
36:01How many of how many own mobiles in your fleet?
36:04Uh currently we have 50 owner operators, and also we have our own trucks that they are on the drivers.
36:12So total of 65 trucks.
36:14How long have you been in this business?
36:16So we have been in this business as a trucking business since 2020, and for the food distribution and those kind of businesses that food related business since 2015.
36:32Any other questions?
36:36Are there any questions from the audience?
36:43And there's motion in order for petition 2026 31.
36:54Can you call the roll?
37:07This uh request will move on to the city council with a recommendation for approval.
37:13The staff planner that you've been working with will let you know what date that'll be scheduled for.
37:20Okay, next on the agenda, um, we have already moved up, which was new business election of chair, which brings us to number eight, old business or new business, not for final action or recommendation.
37:34We have no agenda items.
37:36And that brings us to public comments.
37:39Um section is for anyone wanting to speak regarding non-agenda items.
37:43Is there anyone here who would like to address the zoning board of appeals under public comments?
37:50Okay, and that brings us to adjournment.
37:53Is there a motion to adjourn?
38:08Meeting is adjourned.