ZBA gives narrow approval to Mad Catz / WiseWolf special use; tenants raise noise and safety concerns

The Palatine Zoning Board of Appeals voted 4–2 to recommend approval of a special‑use permit for Mad Catz (operated by WiseWolf LLC) at 117 W. Slate Street, forwarding the matter to the village council subject to staff conditions and a six‑month noise review.

Attorney Jerry Pendersky Jr., speaking for Weisewolf LLC, said the project is "a restaurant, a bar, and some live entertainment" permissible in the B‑1 district with a special use, and argued the team assembled — including an executive chef, entertainment manager and experienced general manager — would run a food‑first operation. Owner Sabia (Savio) Lobo described plans to expand kitchen space, install cameras in back rooms, and seek a class D restaurant liquor license with hours generally closing at midnight and extending to 1 a.m. on busy weekend nights.

Staff acknowledged the petitioners revised some requests (notably downgrading a proposed late‑night liquor application) and recommended approval with conditions but raised specific concerns about the proposed auxiliary "entertainment room." Staff noted uncertainty about how that room would be used, limits on site control for an interior space with exterior access, and prior complaints from neighboring tenants. As a condition, staff proposed that if unresolved the room should be limited to passive uses (for example, storage), and required a staff review within six months of occupancy to determine if additional noise controls are necessary.

Multiple tenants in the Slade Street building — including the dance studio and an ice‑cream/parlor tenant — strongly opposed the proposal, citing years of problems when a prior operator operated the space. Britney Milewski, who identified herself as a tenant upstairs, said the earlier operation "rattled our whole upstairs" and described repeated cleaning of common areas and safety concerns for young staff. Tenants requested stronger, verifiable measures to prevent loitering, to keep common restrooms clean, and to limit music and outdoor activity.

Supporters — longtime patrons and musicians — urged the board to preserve a downtown music venue and said the new team addressed prior management failures. Entertainment manager Rick Lucier said he would control stage volume and acoustics and supervise the PA system to limit sound leakage.

After extended questions about tenant safety, shared common areas, the back room's access, and whether cameras and staffing would provide adequate site control, the board approved the motion to recommend approval subject to staff conditions. The advisory decision (4–2) will go to the village council and liquor commission; final licensing, occupancy and permit details remain subject to further review.