Lake County Gazette

The Waukegan Planning and Zoning Commission is set to review a conditional use permit application that could potentially allow Club Apaseo el Alto to establish a noncommercial community center at the site previously occupied by Office Plus.

"The application is to move the existing community center operation, which includes a food pantry, from 1220 Grand Avenue to this location," stated the Planning and Zoning Department in its report attached to the Planning and Zoning Commission's agenda for its meeting on February 8. The department further clarified, "While there is not a codified definition of a community center in the Zoning Ordinance, we consider a community center to be a nonprofit organization that is open to the public and provides for the community through classes, events, distribution of resources, and promotion of culture and heritage."

The commission had previously deliberated over this application during their January 11 meeting. However, a motion to recommend denial of the conditional use permit failed, according to details mentioned in the commission's agenda for its upcoming February 8 meeting. Subsequently, a motion was passed to postpone further discussions until their next scheduled meeting.

According to information provided in the commission's agenda for its February 8 meeting, following the January gathering, the applicant proposed modifications to their plan. They intend not to schedule food distribution during school pickup and drop-off times or during any ongoing classes at the community center. This measure aims at mitigating potential traffic issues. If granted approval for the conditional use permit, Club Apaseo el Alto would then be eligible to apply for a business license and commence operations.

In addition to maintaining an active business license and obtaining a sign permit for any signage, other conditions recommended by staff members for approval include restricting building occupancy including staff members to no more than 61 individuals within the first year. As per their report attached with February 8 agenda of Planning and Zoning Commission, food distribution would need to be conducted by appointment, with a maximum of 10 cars allowed per 30-minute appointment window.

Once the Planning and Zoning Commission finalizes its recommendation, the application will proceed to the City Council for further review, as mentioned in the staff report attached to the commission's February 8 agenda. In case of denial by the City Council, the building will remain unoccupied until an appropriate use is approved.