Crest Hill planning commission recommends approval for DBAT indoor baseball academy at 425 Caton Farm Road

The Crest Hill Plan Commission voted unanimously April 11 to recommend a special‑use permit and two parking‑related variances allowing Platinum Triple Play LLC to open a DBAT (Developing Beliefs, Attitudes and Traditions) indoor baseball and softball training academy at 425 Caton Farm Road.

Interim city planner Maura Regarni told the commission the request is for an M‑2 special use for an indoor recreational facility and two variations: a reduction in the total number of required parking spaces and a parking setback variance for the east property line. Regarni said the existing warehouse on the site will be remodeled and that the project will require final engineering, stormwater/drainage work and compliance with building and fire codes before issuance of any permits.

Applicant Edith Murillo, who said she and her partners represent Platinum Triple Play LLC, described DBAT as a franchised sports academy offering memberships, camps, clinics, lessons, parties and walk‑in and reservation‑based cage time. Murillo told the commission the standalone facility would include batting cages, pitching machines, an instructors’ lounge, party room and a Rawlings‑powered pro shop. She said the applicants are seeking approval for 39 parking spaces (37 regular and two accessible) and that the franchise’s operating model—reservations, staggered camps and clinic schedules—reduces simultaneous demand compared with a purely drop‑in model.

During questioning commissioners pressed the applicant and staff on parking counts, the east‑side shared drive that crosses the property line, circulation for drop‑off and pick‑up, lighting, and possible traffic‑calming measures. Murillo and the planner explained the site plan shows parallel parking along the east side and pockets of parking to the north and south; Regarni said the east drive requires a cross‑access easement because a 24‑foot aisle straddles the property line. Staff recommended conditioning approval on finalization of that easement, completion of final engineering and photometric and landscaping plans, and conformance with building and fire codes.

A resident, Michael Bazelli, testified in support of the proposal, describing positive youth outcomes from similar programs and saying the facility would provide local opportunities for children to stay active and engaged.

Commissioner Jeff Peterson moved to approve the special use and the variances, with Commissioner Plateau seconding. The roll‑call vote was unanimous and the motion carried. The planning commission’s action is a recommendation; Regarni said staff will forward the file and conditions to the city council and will follow up with the applicant to establish the next steps and timeline.

The commission’s approval includes the conditions summarized at the hearing: final cross‑access easement with the neighboring parcel to the east; final engineering and stormwater/drainage plans; required landscaping and photometric (lighting) plans; and full compliance with building and fire code requirements. The special use must operate according to the business plan filed as Exhibit B. The matter now advances to the Crest Hill City Council for a final decision.