Will County Gazette

Village of New Lenox Plan Commission met Jan. 7.

Here are the minutes provided by the commission:

CALL TO ORDER

A regular meeting of the Village of New Lenox Plan Commission was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Chairman Mark Muehlnickel.

Mr. Muehlnickel led the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance.

ROLL CALL

Upon roll call, the following were present: Chairman Mark Muehlnickel, Commissioners, Matthew Blackburn, Theresa Berkey, Robert Moss, Rebecca Dalseth and Andrew Hawkins.

The following was absent: Jason Raidbard.

Chairman Muehlnickel announced there was a quorum present for this meeting.

Also in attendance were Senior Planner Jeff Smith, Planner Jenni Neubauer and Senior Administrative Secretary Lisa Martin.

REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF A REGULAR PLAN COMMISSION MEETING OF NOVEMBER 19, 2024

A motion was made by Mr. Blackburn and seconded by Mr. Moss to approve the November 19, 2024 minutes as presented with Andrew Hawkins abstaining. Voice vote was taken. Motion carried.

TEXT AMENDMENT FOR MASSAGE ESTABLISHMENTS

(Public Hearing)

The public hearing process was not described due to no one from the public being present.

Chairman Muehlnickel asked if proof of notice had been received, and Staff replied affirmatively.

Mr. Muehlnickel asked for a motion to open the public hearing. A motion was made by Ms. Berkey and seconded by Mr. Hawkins to open the public hearing at 7:01 p.m. Voice vote was taken. Motion carried.

Mr. Smith advised that due a recent problem with a massage business, the Village attorney recommended drafting a text amendment requiring massage establishments to be reclassified as a Special Use.

He explained that the text amendment would list massage establishments as a special use in the C-2, C-3 and C-7 Districts, as well as listing massage or massage therapy as a permitted use in the C-1 District when accessory to a permitted personal care, health, or fitness use. He then requested Plan Commission comments and recommendation.

Mr. Hawkins asked if chiropractors would fall into this category.

Mr. Smith replied that that type of use would be exempt.

Ms. Berkey wanted to know if a gym with massage would be allowed.

Mr. Smith answered that if massage therapy is an accessory use to the primary gym or fitness use, then it would be permitted.

Mr. Muehlnickel asked if the massage business in question had a valid license.

Mr. Smith replied that they did not.

Mr. Muehlnickel requested a motion to close the public hearing. Motion was made by Ms. Dalseth and seconded by Mr. Moss to close the public hearing at 7:06 p.m.

Mr. Muehlnickel requested that the ordinance be adopted as drafted.

Motion was made by Ms. Berkey and seconded by Ms. Dalseth.

Upon Roll Call, the vote was:

AYES: - Commissioners Dalseth, Hawkins, Blackburn, Berkey, Moss and Chairman Muehlnickel

NAYS: - None.

Motion carried.

This will go to the Village Board on January 13th.

ANNUAL ZONING MAP

Mr. Smith advised that the Annual Zoning Map reflected the annexations and zoning changes, as well as the final plats that were approved, recorded and platted in 2024. Staff requested comments and a Plan Commission recommendation.

Mr. Muehlnickel requested a motion recommending that the Village adopt the Zoning Map as proposed.

Motion was made by Ms. Dalseth and seconded by Mr. Moss. Voice vote taken. Motion carried.

OLD BUSINESS

None.

Mr. Muehlnickel asked if Pulte closed on the property for Teerling Lakes.

Mr. Smith answered that they should be closing on a portion of the property for Phase 1 in February.

NEW BUSINESS

Mr. Smith said the meeting for January 21st would have a County Special Use request.

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business to come before the Plan Commission, a motion was made by Mr. Blackburn and seconded by Ms. Berkey to adjourn. Voice vote was taken. Motion carried.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:08 p.m.

https://www.newlenox.net/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_01072025-281