Committee approves four ordinances expanding local liquor and gaming licenses

The Waukegan Community Development Committee voted on April 6 to approve four ordinances that grant a conditional-use permit for a laundromat and increase local liquor and gaming licenses for several businesses.

The committee granted a conditional-use permit for a laundromat at 1340 North Lewis Avenue (zoning calendar no. 02/08/2027). The measure passed unanimously on a 5–0 roll-call vote.

The committee also approved ordinances to increase class C retail package liquor licenses for Lewis Fresh Market at 2727 Grand Avenue and at 1600 North Lewis Avenue. Both measures passed with four ayes and one abstention (Alderman Hayes abstained in each vote).

Separately, the committee approved an ordinance to add one class A tavern liquor license and one video-gaming license for Joaquin Liquor and Kwik Mart at 2728 Bilvador Road. The applicant came forward to answer questions about competition and local sales; the owner said the business has operated at the location since about 2009 and that monthly sales reports are filed with the city. That ordinance passed 4–1, with Alderman Hayes voting no.

Votes at a glance:
- 4(a) Conditional-use permit, 1340 North Lewis Avenue — Passed 5–0.
- 4(b) Increase class C license, Lewis Fresh Market (2727 Grand Ave) — Passed, 4 ayes, 1 abstention (Hayes).
- 4(c) Increase class C license, Lewis Fresh Market (1600 N. Lewis Ave) — Passed, 4 ayes, 1 abstention (Hayes).
- 4(d) Increase class A tavern license & video gaming, Joaquin Liquor & Kwik Mart (2728 Bilvador Rd) — Passed 4–1 (Hayes no).

The committee did not take additional action on zoning or licensing policy at the meeting. The applicant for the tavern/gaming license briefly described competitive pressures and business longevity; committee members said they had reviewed calls or public-safety records and raised no concerns that changed votes. The committee adjourned at 5:53 a.m.