Chick-fil-A looks to build on Muddy Paws site, gets direction from Kildeer panel

Concerns ranging from emergency vehicle access to landscaping are to be addressed by Chick-fil-A as the company seeks to build in Kildeer on the former Muddy Paws shelter site on Rand Road.

Kildeer plan commission members made several requests of Chick-fil-A during a meeting Tuesday night and will address the proposal again on or before the advisory panel's next scheduled session, June 11.

The commission also heard from some local residents who are against Chick-fil-A opening in the village.

Muddy Paws' structures were demolished in summer 2011 and the property is now owned by a bank.

In December 2010, Kildeer police went to Muddy Paws and discovered 30 dogs, three birds and an opossum that authorities said all starved to death. Chick-fil-A wants to build on much of a roughly 2-acre site on Rand Road's east side that would shift from Deer Park into Kildeer village limits. The plan commission eventually will forward a recommendation to the Kildeer village board, which gets the final say on issues.

At Tuesday's meeting, the plan commission reviewed a presentation by Chick-fil-A representatives and provided feedback.

Plan commission member Larry Bowman said he's concerned whether the proposed site layout would allow adequate access for fire trucks in an emergency.

“I can't imagine the (Lake Zurich) fire district approving this,” Bowman said.

Questions also arose about landscaping on the site and the building's design. Chick-fil-A development manager Jason Hill said the company is open to suggestions about the building's style.

Before Chick-fil-A's plan commission presentation, speakers were allowed to comment on the proposal during a public hearing.

Lake Zurich resident Donna LaJeunesse alluded to a controversy involving Chick-fil-A in July 2012 when company President Dan Cathy's opposition to same-sex marriage became known. Contending Chick-fil-A is discriminatory, LaJeunesse said protests will occur if the eatery opens in Kildeer.

“I implore you to not support their business in our community,” LaJeunesse told commissioners.

Kildeer resident Elizabeth Vesto said Chick-fil-A would bring unwanted negative attention to the village.

“There are plenty of fast-food places with playgrounds and drive-through windows in neighboring communities,” Vesto said.

“We are Kildeer. We're an upscale community and we need to preserve our reputation.”