Kimberly A Delia

The Planning and Zoning Board meeting addressed several agenda items, including the approval of text amendments to the Village of Niles Zoning Ordinance concerning various sections like Definitions, Residential and Commercial Districts, Uses, Site Development, and Parking. Specific proposed text amendments involved clarifying dwelling type definitions (e.g., Townhouse, Three Family), adjusting design standards for commercial districts, redefining 'Amusement Facility -- Indoor' zoning, modifying the definition and permitted uses for 'Cosmetic Tattoo,' and adjusting zoning for 'Heavy Commercial -- Rental.' The Board also reviewed and made decisions on two specific variation requests: one for an accessory structure setback at 7253 W Crain St, and another for reduced parking stalls at 9081 N Maryland St. Additionally, discussions covered amendments related to accessory structures, including definitions for outdoor kitchens, regulations for pergolas, limitations on accessory structure square footage, and clarification on impervious coverage.

The special session convened to interview candidates for the Fire Department. The candidates interviewed were Deandre Eagle, Alex Gountanis, Sean Eder, Steve Claudio, and Daniel Murphy. The session concluded with an adjournment.

The special session, called to order under the section pertaining to personnel matters, included the committee interviewing three Fire Department candidates: Jessica Zia, Meira White, and Rob Lombardo.

The meeting covered several key topics including clarification on the presence of non-ICE agents (identified as bounty hunters) versus actual ICE agents, and reiterated the Village's policy prohibiting local police from enforcing federal civil immigration laws unless a criminal warrant is present, in compliance with the Illinois Trust Act and Illinois Way Forward Act. Major development projects discussed included a $20 million 48-unit building near Church and Milwaukee, a $52 million 180-luxury apartment project at 6633 North Milwaukee, a $150 million development featuring rental apartments and townhouses, and a $90 million luxury apartment complex at 7201 Tui Avenue. Restaurant updates included Kuclas nearing its opening date. Discussions also covered the Nature Nook project on Waukegan Road, which is being developed following a land purchase and application for an OSLAD grant, and plans to replace the outdated Fire Station Number Two by building a new facility across the street. The status of the Niles Free Bus service suspension was addressed, detailing ongoing negotiations with government agencies regarding funding responsibilities previously split between PACE and the Village. Traffic concerns on major thoroughfares such as Milwaukee, Harlem, and Touhy Avenues were discussed, alongside efforts to secure state improvements and adjust traffic light timing. Finally, inquiries were made regarding the regulation of e-bikes and a resident complaint regarding excessive church bell broadcasting near St. John Brebeuf.

The Planning and Zoning Board addressed several new business items. The first item involved a request for approval of a Special Use Permit to allow for three ground signs instead of the maximum of two at 8502-8530 W Golf Rd & 9621-9631 N Milwaukee Ave, related to rebranding the shopping center to Carter's Landing and significant infrastructure spending. The second item concerned a request for a Special Use Permit for a Massage Services Establishment at 8852 N Milwaukee Ave. The third item was a request for a Variation to allow for 89 parking stalls instead of the required 97 at 7403-7421 N Milwaukee Ave, to facilitate the conversion of a storage room into a second operating room for the surgery center, noting parking has been sufficient historically. Finally, a request for text amendments across multiple sections of the Village of Niles Zoning Ordinance was continued to the February 2, 2026 meeting.