Title:
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Concur with the Zoning Board of Appeals’ Recommendation and Adopt an Ordinance Granting a Special Use Permit to Operate a Massage Service Establishment at 971 Lake Street.
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Introduction
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The Applicant, Sun Wellness Corp., d/b/a Massage Envy, seeks a special use permit to establish a massage service establishment within the DT - Downtown Business Zoning District at 971 Lake Street.
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Recommended Action
Adopt the Ordinance
Prior Board Action
There is no prior Board action related to this item.
Background
The Applicant is seeking a special use permit to allow the operation of a massage service establishment at the property commonly known as 971 Lake Street. The Subject Property is a planned mixed multiple-family and commercial development located along Forest Avenue between North Boulevard and Lake Street in the DT Downtown Zoning District. The Applicant seeks to use approximately 3,600 square feet of this commercial space to operate Massage Envy. Massage Envy is the nation's largest provider of massage services, offering high-quality therapeutic massage and skincare services.
Timing Considerations
The Applicant would like to move forward as soon as the Village Board can review.
Budget Impact
The cost of the Public Notice was $196 from the Planning and Urban Design Division budget, account 1001.46202.101.550652.
Staffing Impact
If approved, there is no staffing impact related to this item outside of regular service delivery with a business license, potential permit reviews, and building inspections.
DEI Impact
If approved, the business serves the entire community and no groups or individuals in particular will be impacted.
Community Input
The Zoning Board of Appeals held a public hearing on January 8, 2025. There was no one in attendance in opposition to the Application. There were four (4) letters of support entered into the record. The Zoning Board of Appeals recommends approval of this application with a 4-0 vote. The Finding of Fact report is attached to this agenda item. Here is the Commission TV link: <https://www.oak-park.us/your-government/citizen-commissions/commission-tv>.
Staff Recommendation
Staff Recommends approval of the Ordinance.
Advantages:
• A new business at the far east end of Downtown.
• A new national chain service use in a building vacant for 12-plus years.
Disadvantages:
• Only a small amount of the new business is retail sales.
Alternatives
Alternative 1:
Do not adopt the Ordinance and deny the use.
Advantages:
• Hold out for a retail use.
Disadvantages:
• Do not allow new business and gathering places for the community.
• Do not contribute to the vitality of Downtown and continue a vacant commercial space.
Alternative 2:
Remand back to the Zoning Board of Appeals
Advantages:
• Further review and information from applicant, staff, and community.
Disadvantages:
• Delayed timeline for opening and potential to lose the business.
Anticipated Future Actions
If the special use application is approved, regular licensing and inspections (e.g. business license, occupancy permit, building permits for construction work) will be coordinated between staff and the applicant as next steps.
Prepared By: Mike Bruce, Zoning Administrator
Reviewed By: Emily A. Egan, Development Services Director
Approved By: Kevin J. Jackson, Village Manager
Attachment(s):
1. Draft Ordinance
2. Findings of Fact Report
3. Application
4. Staff Report
5. Letters of Support