DeKalb Times

City of Dekalb Planning & Zoning Commission met Aug. 5.

Here are the minutes provided by the commission:

The Planning and Zoning Commission held a meeting on August 5, 2024, in the Yusunas Meeting Room at the DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak St. DeKalb, Illinois. Chair Max Maxwell called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM.

A. ROLL CALL

Recording Secretary, Olivia Doss, called the roll. Planning and Zoning Commission members present were: Chair Max Maxwell, Vice Chair Bill McMahon, Trixy O’Flaherty and Shannon Stoker. Commission members Steve Becker, Maria Pena-Graham, and Jerry Wright were absent. Planning Director Dan Olson was present representing the City of DeKalb, along with Assistant City Manager Bob Redel.

B. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA (Additions/Deletions)

Chair Maxwell requested a motion to approve the August 5, 2024, agenda as presented. Ms. O’Flaherty motioned to approve the agenda as presented. Ms. Stoker seconded the motion, and the motion was approved by unanimous voice vote.

C. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

1. July 15, 2024 – Chair Maxwell requested a motion to approve the July 15, 2024, minutes as presented. Vice Chair McMahon motioned to approve the minutes as submitted. Chair Maxwell seconded the motion, and the motion was approved by unanimous voice vote.

D. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION (Open Floor to Anyone Wishing to Speak on Record)

None.

E. NEW BUSINESS

1. Public Hearing – A petition by Miles Mapes for a special use permit for an amusement establishment (rage room, video game arcade) for the property located at 901 Lucinda Ave., Unit G.

Miles Mapes, of 126 Oak Street, DeKalb, IL 60115, discussed his petition for a special use permit. Mapes described the amusement establishment. An aerial view of the Village Commons Shopping Center was shown on the screen with the proposed location of The Wreck Room outlined. He expressed The Wreck Room name was chosen to bring attendees back to the 80s and 90s when people would gather to play games, socialize and converse. He expressed his desire to have the business hit the heart of the description, with added features such as a retro arcade, retro gaming lounges, splatter room and rage/wreck room. The gaming lounges will offer players the unique opportunity to play on favorite gaming devices of the eras including Game Cubes and PlayStation2s. He added they will be partnering with local arcade operator, Star Worlds, to obtain retro arcade games including pinball, and active game play options.

Regarding the splatter and rage/wreck rooms, Mr. Mapes described them as hitting two separate sides for a unique date night or friend activity and advised protective gear will be offered for both rooms. He went on to describe the rage/wreck room as a place to destroy items such as old electronics and ceramics, and the splatter room as a place to splatter paint canvases, walls, or even the friend you brought.

Mr. Mapes also noted the establishment would be alcohol and drug free, benefiting both neighbors in the building, and the residents/students in the surrounding area. He concluded by providing the projected operating hours of Thursday and Friday 4pm-10pm, Saturday noon-11pm and Sunday noon-8pm.

Planning Director, Dan Olson, gave his Staff Report dated August 1, 2024. Mr. Olson stated Mr. Mapes had already described in detail the proposed establishment and what would be done with the special use permit. He noted the area is zoned Light Commercial – “LC”, and amusement establishment is included in general terms as a special use. A map of the lower level of 901 Lucinda Avenue was shown on the screen, and Mr. Olson pointed out Unit G, where the business would go (near the previous location of Boost Mobile). It was noted a similar special use permit was previously issued for an E-Sports business in the same building in 2022. He added Mr. Mapes has reviewed several other locations, and the amusement establishments fits well with the other uses currently in the building. Confirming the petition meets all standards for a special use permit, Mr. Olson recommended approval.

No public comments were made at the meeting, and no written comments were received. Chair Maxwell closed the hearing.

Ms. Stoker commented this sounds great, and she is excited for them to open.

Vice Chair McMahon inquired how revenue will be made. Mr. Mapes described the multi-tier and inclusive pricing they will utilize. The arcade games will be coin operated with varying prices. He continued, stating they will be competitively priced for the wreck and splatter rooms. Using Naperville as their closest comparable, The Wreck Room will be priced at just over 50% of Naperville’s price and offer just over 50% more than the Naperville location, with two-person packages priced at $90.00. He added the gaming lounges will be priced at an hourly rate per area. Lastly, he touched on the gaming lounges which will be priced at an hourly rate per area.

Mr. McMahon then questioned how he would staff the establishment. Mr. Mapes replied he is a long time DeKalb resident and has many friends willing to help on busy shifts. He confirmed in the beginning staff will only consist of himself, and his parents, who were in the audience. He added he is very excited to bring this to fruition and is willing to put in the extra hours to do so.

Chair Maxwell touched on the great activities that will be provided, and stated he hopes it attracts a younger crowd since the business will be alcohol free. Mr. Mapes agreed, and confirmed University Plaza is excited to have the business there.

Vice Chair McMahon then moved that based upon the submitted petition, testimony presented and findings of fact, he moved the Planning and Zoning Commission forward its findings of fact and recommend to the City Council approval of a special use permit for an amusement establishment to include a retro gaming lounge and arcade room, pinball games, rage room (smash room) and splatter room at 901 Lucinda Ave in tenant space 901-G as shown on Exhibit A. The Motion was seconded by O’Flaherty.

A roll call vote was taken: O’Flaherty – yes, Stoker – yes, McMahon – yes, Maxwell – yes. Commission Members Becker, Pena-Graham and Wright were absent. Motion passed 4-0-3.

F. REPORTS

Mr. Olson reminded the Commission the next two meetings will be held at the Police Department Second Floor Training Room. He noted another fence variance on Fox Hollow is planned for the August 19th meeting, as well as potential final development plans for a hotel on Peace Road that was previously approved by the Commission.

Ms. Stoker asked for an update on the Plat of Resubdivision on Fairview Drive from a few meetings back. Mr. Olson briefly recapped the events of the last few City Council meetings on this subject, stating the plat has been tabled, and the potential for a resolution between the involved parties looks promising. Mr. Olson said he would elaborate more once a resolution was closer and had become official.

Vice Chair McMahon inquired about the projects for a sub shop in the prior KFC building on S. 4th St., and the Fatty’s drive-through along W. Lincoln Hwy, both of which were previously approved. Mr. Olson said he has not heard from the owners and is unaware of the reason for the delay in moving forward.

G. ADJOURNMENT

Chair Maxwell requested a motion to Adjourn. Ms. Stoker motioned to adjourn, and Ms. O’Flaherty seconded the motion. The meeting adjourned at 6:10 p.m.

https://www.cityofdekalb.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08192024-2573