Lake Forest council approves updated Gorton Center special-use permit with noise limits

The Lake Forest City Council on Feb. 20 voted to adopt an amended special‑use permit for the Gorton Center that defines and restricts certain indoor and outdoor activities and sets new conditions for events.

City staff presented the ordinance and said the zoning board of appeals reviewed the petition and recommended the amendment unanimously, 7–0. The recommended conditions include a 10 p.m. end time for outdoor events, a cap of 15 amplified outdoor events per year, a definition of “amplified sound,” requirements that certain room doors and windows remain closed during events, designation of an on‑site event manager for permitted events, parking and entrance specifications, and a landscape/smoking buffer. City staff told the council the ZBA asked for more detail about event types and received supplemental material from Gorton staff and its executive director during the review.

During council discussion, Alderman Novick asked whether Gorton has an internal sound system and whether the permit would require renters to use it. City staff said Gorton does have an internal system but the ordinance does not mandate renters use it; staff described the internal system as an option that could reduce sound spill. On enforcement, staff explained that initial complaints prompt outreach to the operator and that repeated violations can be brought back to the zoning board for further action.

A resident, Mary Sanders of 391 East Deerpath, urged stronger enforcement, describing ongoing noise impacts to properties immediately adjacent to the center and saying neighbors felt they had not been adequately contacted: “this is a noise problem,” she told the council, and noted a public YouTube recording she said had “nearly 300 hits” documenting the disturbance. The mayor asked Sanders to submit a written letter for the record; the council said it would accept her submission and consider it in any follow‑up.

Supporters of the ordinance on the council said the special‑use process allows for negotiation and amendment going forward and praised the ZBA’s unanimous recommendation. Following motions to waive first reading and to grant final approval, the council held a roll‑call vote and adopted the ordinance; the council recorded no nays and the motion carried.

The ordinance imposes conditions intended to balance Gorton’s community programming with neighborhood concerns; staff said the SUP can be revisited if problems persist. The council moved next into an executive session and did not return to further public business that night.