Village of Frankfort Plan Commission / Zoning Board of Appeals met Jan. 8.
Here are the minutes provided by the board:
Call to Order: Chair Markunas called the meeting to order at 6:30 PM
Commissioners Present: Richard Rappold, Johnny Morris, Chair Markunas, David Toepper, Dan Knieriem, Brian James
Commissioners Absent: Jessica Jakubowski
Staff Present: Planner Lanie Hannon, Executive Assistant Lisa Paulus Elected Officials Present: None
A. Approval of the Minutes from December 11, 2025
Chair Markunas asked for questions or comments regarding the minutes. There were none. Motion (#1): To approve the minutes from December 11, 2025.
Motion by: Toepper Seconded by: Morris
Approved: (6-0)
Chair Markunas asked members of the audience to raise their hands if they intend to provide testimony during any of the public hearings this evening. Chair Markunas then swore in those members of the audience wishing to provide testimony.
B. Public Hearing: 700 Center Road – The Launch Pad Chicago Training Facility (Ref. 106) Lanie Hannon presented the staff report.
The applicant, Dylan Helstern, approached the podium. He thanked the commission for being here tonight. He stated the facility will be solely private appointments without public access. He explained staff will consist of himself, as he is the full-time instructor, with two additional employees who shall work approximately 20 hours a week. 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. is the busiest time for their business because it is after work hours for most parents.
He projected six cars at most would be in the parking lot at any given time, as kids are mostly picked up and dropped off. Staff would only account for two cars.
Chair Markunas asked staff if the applicant would be required to present before the Plan Commission, again, should they want to extend their business hours to include the weekend. Lanie Hannon replied they would not return to the Plan Commission, but the Commission could condition the motion on the Special Use Permit if needed.
Motion (#2): To close the Public Hearing.
Motion by: Rappold Seconded by: James
Approved: (6-0)
The Commission discussed the proposed use for the indoor training facility. Commissioner Toepper stated that there have been a lot of sports related businesses in the Laraway Center Business Park and agreed with the use. The Commission agreed that the use was appropriate.
The parking adjustment was addressed by the Commission. Both Commissioners Knieriem and Rappold agreed the lot has never been crowded, and space will not be an issue. Commissioner James agreed that the parking was acceptable, especially with it being private lessons. Commissioner Morris thanked Mr. Helstern for the traffic study and taking the time to put it together. Chair Markunas stated most clients will be in and out, so there were no parking concerns.
Motion (#3): Approve a parking adjustment for the proposed business to allow the required 16 parking spaces to be shared among the existing 104 parking spaces on the property located at 700 – 722 Center Road, Frankfort, IL 60423 (PIN: 19-09-28-400-029-0000) in accordance with the reviewed plans and public testimony.
Motion by: James Seconded by: Morris
(6-0)
Motion (#4): Recommend the Village Board approve a Special Use Permit for indoor recreation to operate a baseball and softball training facility in the B-2 Community Business District for the property located at 700 Center Road, Frankfort, IL 60423 (PIN: 19-09-28-400-029-0000), in accordance with the submitted plans, public testimony, and Findings of Fact subject to the following conditions:
https://cms9files.revize.com/villageoffrankfortil/MINUTES%201.8.26%20Signed.pdf?t=202601231113010&t=202601231113010
