File photo
File photo
A DeKalb video gaming establishment is applying to the City Council to relocate to a more commercially friendly area.
Randi Hoffstead, the owner of CJ’s Gaming, is planning to move locations to a more business-centered area off Illinois Route 23. A special permit is required for this move, as CJ’s would be relocating into the city’s general commercial district.
Leading up to the hybrid Zoom meeting, city officials wrote “The Municipal Code (Chapter 38- Intoxicating Liquors) has a limit of 10 stand-alone video gaming establishments. However, CJ’s is relocating, so there is no need for the City Council to consider amending the Municipal Code.”
As CJ’s would be moving locations rather than establishing a new business entirely, the argument can be made that the permit would require no major amendments to current zoning and municipal laws.
If granted the permit to change locations, CJ’s would be relocating into an 1,800-square-foot, first-floor location at 2022 Sycamore Road. Current development requirements call for a minimum of 500 feet between video gaming establishments. The new location would meet those requirements, as the next closest video gaming outfit would be over 1,100 feet away.
Hoffstead is confident in the proposal, and said “[The relocation] would not prevent development, would not impact adjacent existent and future land uses [and] would not impact property values, public safety, health and welfare."
The proposal also has encountered little resistance from officials or community members. City officials have not recommended any restrictions regarding its hours or signage, and no local businesses have voiced their opposition to the move.
CJ’s previously received unanimous support from the city zoning and planning commission.
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