Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting – October 1, 2025
Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting – October 1, 2025
The Naperville Planning and Zoning Commission met on October 1, 2025 at 7:00 PM in Council Chambers. The Commission considered two variance requests (a fitness studio on the first floor of the B4 district and a ground sign exceeding size limits), approved the previous meeting's minutes, and adjourned at 7:40 PM.
Public Comments & Testimony
- First public hearing (50 S. Main Street, Suite 104 – Barry’s): Kristy Gagovski, owner of a neighboring fitness studio (Pier Bar), opposed the variance. She expressed concerns about parking congestion, the long-term sustainability of a higher-priced fitness studio, and the lack of a clear plan for nearby vacant lots. She submitted a petition with over 160 signatures.
- Second public hearing (1001 N Washington St. – Ascend Dental): No oral public testimony was given. The Commission noted written public comments expressing concerns about vision clearance at the nearby intersection but determined the proposed sign would not create visibility issues.
Discussion Items
- DEV-0103-2025 – Barry’s Fitness Variance: Sara Kopinski (staff) presented the request for a variance to allow a fitness studio on the first floor of a building zoned B4 (downtown core). The space (approx. 4,300 sq ft) had been vacant since the building opened in 2014. The petitioner (Karen Weber, attorney) argued the studio's fuel bar and retail frontage would activate the street. Staff recommended approval with two conditions (dedicate frontage to lobby/retail/fuel bar; variance applies only to Barry’s). The Commission found the proposal aligned with the B4 district's intent and that parking was not a decisive factor. Commissioner Wright, Castagnoli, and Robbins expressed support, emphasizing land-use purview and the long vacancy. The public hearing closed at 7:22 PM.
- DEV-0117-2025 – Ascend Dental Sign Variance: Brad Iwicki (staff) presented a request for a variance to allow a 20 sq ft ground sign at 1001 N Washington St., exceeding the 4 sq ft limit for the R1B zoning district. The petitioner, Craig Sikora (co-owner of Ascend Dental), explained the existing sign was deteriorating and the new sign would improve wayfinding for patients. Staff supported the variance, noting the sign would be non-illuminated and complement the residential surroundings. Commissioner McDaniel and others noted they had driven by the site and found no visibility issues. The Commission voted to approve the variance. The public hearing closed at 7:39 PM.
Key Outcomes
- DEV-0103-2025 (Barry’s): Approved by an 8–0 vote (motion by Commissioner Abubaker, seconded by Commissioner Bansal). The Commission adopted the petitioner's findings of fact and recommended approval of the variance.
- DEV-0117-2025 (Ascend Dental): Approved by an 8–0 vote (motion by Commissioner Naumes, seconded by Commissioner Castagnoli). The Commission adopted the petitioner's findings of fact and recommended approval of the variance. (Note: The official minutes incorrectly reference DEV-0103-2025 in the motion text, but the transcript and vote confirm the correct case number.)
- Approval of September 3, 2025 Meeting Minutes: Approved by voice vote (8–0).
- Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 7:40 PM.
Meeting Transcript
Good evening. I would like to call the planning and zoning commission meeting for October 1st, 2025 to order. All right, thank you, and let's get started. Secretary Wright, please conduct roll call. Abu Baker, Bonzel. Here. Costa Gnoli. Here. Namas here. McDaniel? Here. Rachelia, president. Wright is here. And Robins. Madam Chair, we have a quorum. Great. Thank you. The first order of business tonight is the public forum. During the public forum, members of the public have the opportunity to address the planning and zoning commission on issues which are not part of tonight's agenda. Please keep your comments limited to three minutes. Also, for the sake of all those in attendance, please refrain from clapping or shouting out in response to comments made by any speaker. Secretary Wright, do we have anyone signed up for public forum? No one signed up. Great. Our next order of business and public hearings for each hearing will begin with the staff presentation or introduction, followed by the petitioner's presentation. We will then take public testimony to ensure that we have an opportunity to hear from each person wishing to speak. Please keep your comments specific to the request under the consideration and try to re uh avoid repetitive comments. Also, for the sake of all those in attendance, please refrain from clapping or shouting out in response to comments made by any speaker. Following all public testimony, the petitioner will provide closing remarks just prior to the closure of the public hearing. No further public testimony will be taken after the petitioner begins their closing remarks or during the planning and zoning commission's deliberation. I will now swear in any member of the public wishing to speak. Those who wish to provide testimony, please stand up. Please, anyone? Please raise your right hand and respond. I do. I swear to tell the truth and nothing but the truth. All right, thank you. The case on tonight's agenda is DEV-0103-2025 Barries. Sarah Kapinski from staff will present the case. Thank you and good evening. Sarah Kapinski with the city's planning services team. The subject property for DEV 0103 2025 is located at 50 South Main Street within the Main Street Promenade East building. The promenade includes a mix of retail, office, and fitness uses and is zoned B4 downtown core. The petitioner proposes locating Barry's Boot Camp, a fitness studio in suite 104. Suite 104 is approximately 4300 square feet in size and has not been leased since the building opened in 2014. The B4 district permits general service uses, including fitness studios, but restricts their location to the second floor and above, as these uses tend to be appointment driven and oftentimes do not rely as much on pedestrian activity as traditional retail or restaurants might. The petitioner is seeking approval of a variance to allow Barries to operate on the first floor. Barries is known for high-intensity workouts as well as its fuel bar and retail component. They have intentionally designed suite 104 to include both a fuel bar and retail area along the main street frontage to help drive additional foot traffic to the area throughout the day. Staff is supportive of the request petitioner's requested variants and notes that the subject property's location near the perimeter of the downtown boundaries results in less pedestrian activity, making retail less viable for these tenant spaces.
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