Mt. Prospect approves cafe over objections
Overturning an earlier decision, Mount Prospect plan commissioners have given the go-ahead for a new cafe to open near Prospect Avenue and Pine Street.
Neighbors on Pine Street, however, are not happy with the proposed use, particularly since they feel customers are likely to park in front of their homes.
Originally, commissioners were deadlocked on whether to approve the Boulevard Cafe, 143 W. Prospect Ave.
Commissioner Leo Floros said he voted against the cafe on July 26 because he was under the impression it would have 2 a.m. closing hours on Friday and Saturday.
But general manager Krzysztof Miscierewicz said closing time will be 10 p.m.
In the cafe's literature, Miscierewicz said he has 15 years of experience running a bistro cafe in Poland.
The cafe would provide food, gourmet coffee, a variety of desserts and free wireless Internet service.
As for the parking problem, the cafe has forged an agreement with the village to use 15 public spaces in the Pine Street and Wille Street lots. The cafe is offering free valet service to park the cars.
Residents still are skeptical.
Kathleen Jensen said the plan for valet service will be awkward for drivers turning left onto Pine from Prospect.
"Are these valet people going to wave them down?"
She added, "Why would you wait for a valet (and) give up your car to a valet, when there would be legal street parking right here, real close to the entrance?"
Miscierewicz said he owns a lot in the back, next to an alley. He suggested that signs could direct valet parkers to the alley for drop off.
"I don't want to bother people," he said.
Floros, noting that employee parking is a huge problem in the downtown, said, "If this individual says he is going to use it, if nothing else for his employees, he's going to help the situation significantly."
Commission member Ronald Roberts said, "That area needs to develop. It could become kind of a blighted area in our downtown. Here we have a petitioner who has come before us, who is trying to work with us. I support his efforts to invest in our downtown."
Commission Chair Richard Rogers suggested the neighbors petition for neighborhood parking restrictions.