Mundelein weighing go-kart plan, but some trustees have concerns
A proposal for an outdoor go-kart track in Mundelein is moving forward despite reservations from several village board members.
The owner of Party Fantasy, 342 Townline Road, wants to construct the track in the parking lot outside that business. It would operate seasonally, following the same hours as the indoor business, owner Adi Mor told the village board during a public discussion Monday night.
The track would be surrounded by a wall and fencing to separate it from motorists and pedestrians.
Still, safety was a big concern for trustees reviewing the plan Monday. So was noise from the gas-powered vehicles, 10 of which would be allowed to race simultaneously.
Trustee Ray Semple said he'll support the project only if the village has the ability to close the track if it's too noisy or becomes a nuisance.
“I think we should have the right to shut it down,” Semple said. “I don't want to get stuck with this in perpetuity if it's a problem.”
The village's attorney, Charles Marino, said such a clause could be included in the ordinance needed to allow the track.
Mor didn't object.
Party Fantasy already operates an indoor go-kart track, but those vehicles are electric and don't make as much noise, Mor acknowledged. They also don't go as fast as gasoline-powered go-karts, which Mor said can reach speeds of 20 mph.
That was a concern for Trustee Ed Sullivan.
“I think that the carts are too loud and too fast,” Sullivan said during the board's discussion.
“That's your opinion,” Mor quickly countered.
The board voted 5-1 to authorize village administrators to create an ordinance that would allow the track as a special use. Sullivan was the lone dissenter.
Trustee Dawn Abernathy, on the other hand, saw an upside to the proposed attraction.
“I do think it's good for our young adults to have somewhere to go and something to do,” Abernathy said.
Even so, Abernathy voiced concern about the hours the track would be open and whether state permits are needed for its operation.
Village Administrator John Lobaito said his staff will look into the permit question.
Mayor Steve Lentz endorsed the plan but said he wanted some “fluidity” in the deal in case the town sours on the operation.
The board could vote on the ordinance in June.