Title
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*Concur with the Zoning Board of Appeals and Adopt an Ordinance Granting a Special Use Permit to Operate a Warehouse/Distribution Facility at 6209 North Avenue
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Introduction
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The Petitioner, Jennie Hull, on behalf of Beyond Hunger, seeks a special use permit for a warehouse/distribution facility (food pantry) at 6209 North Avenue.
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Recommended Action
Adopt the Ordinance.
Prior Board Action
There is no prior Board action associated with this item.
Background
Beyond Hunger seeks Special Use approval to operate a warehouse and distribution facility (food pantry) in the NA - North Avenue Zoning District located at 6209 North Avenue. Section 8.3 (Table 8-1: Use Matrix) of the Village’s Zoning Ordinance requires a special use permit to operate a warehouse and distribution facility in the NA - North Avenue Zoning District.
The Applicant, Jennie Hull, on behalf of the property owner First Savings Bank, is proposing to modify the building and use the site as a new headquarters for Beyond Hunger, a non-profit hunger relief organization. The building would house a variety of uses, including office space for administrative staff, a community kitchen, a classroom, a staging area for home deliveries, and a community market, but a large portion of the building would be used for food warehousing and storage. Drive-through food pantry/pickup events would also be hosted periodically. Given the amount of space dedicated to warehousing and storage and the operational focus on food distribution (through the interior market space, home deliveries, and drive-through events), it was determined that the most appropriate use classification in the Zoning Ordinance would be “Warehousing & Distribution”, which is defined as “an enclosed facility for the storage and distribution of manufactured products, supplies, and/or equipment”. The establishment of this use requires a special use permit.
The Applicant has submitted a detailed narrative describing the scope of operations and the various components of their proposed use of the property. While many components would be contained within the enclosed structure-such as the mezzanine office space, the community kitchen, and the market area-the Applicant is also proposing to continue the drive-through food pickup events that they host at their current location. These events would occur two to three times per week for several hours, and the submitted site plan proposes using directional signage to route vehicles east along North Avenue, then south along N Lombard Avenue and through the alley, heading west. Vehicles would then turn right on N Harvey Avenue to enter the site, which will feature ample off-street space for stacking/queueing. This proposal maximizes the stacking space for vehicles while minimizing traffic impacts, and the presence of a large parking lot with full drive aisles would assist with containing the queue during these designated event times. The addition of a community market, which would function similarly to a small standard grocery operation (limited to specific times each week), may also spread out demand for food pickup, reducing peak impacts. There is a perpendicular north-south alley to the south that will maintain access for the residential properties. This is a core service priority.
On January 20, 2026, the Project Review Team (PRT) reviewed the proposal. The PRT consists of representatives from various departments and divisions within the Village government.
On January 21, 2026, a legal notice was published in The Wednesday Journal.
On February 11, 2026, the Zoning Board of Appeals held a public hearing on the application.
Timing Considerations
The Village Board must act on the application within 60 days of receipt of the Zoning Board of Appeals’ recommendation. If the Village Board does not act upon the application within 60 days of receipt, the application is deemed denied.
Financial Impact
The cost of legal notice was $266 from the Planning & Urban Design Division budget, legal posting account 1001.46202.101.550652.
Operations Impact
Approximately ten (10) hours of staff time have been put toward this item. Managing special use permit applications is a standard operating function of the Planning & Urban Design Division within the Development Services Department.
If approved by the Village Board, the Zoning Board of Appeals has recommended as a condition that “The Applicant work with Parking and Mobility Services staff to develop a parking restrictions plan for on-street spaces adjacent to the building on North Lombard.”
DEI Impact
Food banks help implement accessible distribution models (like mobile pantries) and ensure equitable food access to underserved communities.
Community Input
The Zoning Board of Appeals held a public hearing on February 11, 2026. No one spoke in opposition to the Petition. Judith Alexander with T-NAD (The North Avenue District) spoke in favor of the Petition.
The Zoning Board of Appeals finds that allowing the operation of the warehouse and distribution facility (food pantry) as a special use permit is consistent with the Village’s Comprehensive Plan and is consistent with the spirit and intent of the Zoning Ordinance. The Zoning Board of Appeals recommends to the Village President and Board of Trustees that the special use be approved by a 5-0 vote, with the following condition:
1. The Applicant work with Parking and Mobility Services staff to develop a parking restrictions plan for on-street spaces adjacent to the subject property on North Lombard Avenue.
Staff Recommendation
Staff recommends approving the ordinance.
Advantages:
• Food banks offer an immediate safety net, providing free or low-cost food to those in need, which is especially critical during personal crises, economic downturns, or natural disasters.
• Food banks fill essential gaps for individuals and families who may not qualify for or are waiting to receive federal or state assistance programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
• By significantly reducing grocery costs, food banks allow families to reallocate limited financial resources to other critical expenses like rent, utilities, and medical bills, helping maintain overall household stability.
Disadvantages:
• The proposed application may result in increased traffic around the immediate area.
Alternatives
Alternative 1:
The Village Board can deny the special use permit application.
Advantages:
• There are no advantages associated with this action.
Disadvantages:
• The Applicant would need to find an alternative location for their proposed use.
• This action would not allow the use of a vacant building.
Alternative 2:
The Board can remand the Application back to the Plan Commission.
Advantages:
• This action would trigger more review and information from the Applicant, Staff, and the public.
Disadvantages:
• This action would result in delays to the owner and operator of the food bank.
Anticipated Future Actions
There are no follow-up steps for implementation before the Board. However, the Applicant shall work with Parking and Mobility Services staff to develop a parking restrictions plan for on-street spaces adjacent to the subject property on North Lombard Avenue.
Prepared By: Mike Bruce, Planning & Urban Design Manager/Village Planner
Reviewed By: Craig Failor, Development Services Director
Approved By: Kevin J. Jackson, Village Manager
Attachment(s):
1. Ordinance
2. Findings of Facts (Attachment A)
3. Application
4. Staff Report