Police policy committee backs special uses for children's party venue and Aldi; both placed on consent agenda

The Police Policy & Code Services Committee considered three zoning-related items April 4 and voted to forward two special-use requests to the council consent calendar.

Staff told the committee the proposed children's party venue at 295 Northwest Highway would occupy previously vacant space, operate by appointment to avoid parking conflict and would be compatible with a nearby dance studio because of non-overlapping hours. Staff recommended approval and noted a shared-parking agreement with a Wendy's would address parking concerns. The committee voted in favor and the item was added to the consent agenda.

The committee also reviewed a special use for an Aldi grocery store proposed for 7761 East Dundee Road. Staff described the footprint and noted the item included a companion request to create or increase a Class B-1 grocery liquor license for the site. A representative of Aldi addressed neighborhood delivery concerns and said the company would comply with guidelines; staff recommended approval of both the special use and the liquor-license companion item. The committee voted to forward both to the consent calendar.

"It is taking vacant space. It's going to be a by appointment only..." staff said of the children's venue. An Aldi representative added, "We will definitely comply," when asked about deliveries to the complex adjacent to residences.

Both items were subsequently approved through the council consent agenda later in the meeting.