Buffalo Grove club set to open but security questions remain

The managing partner of eSkape, the bowling alley and family entertainment center in Buffalo Grove, said he is ready for Friday's grand opening of Glow, the new dance club at eSkape for teens and young adults.

The question is whether the village of Buffalo Grove will allow it.

The club opening, at 350 McHenry Road, is scheduled for 9 p.m. and the club will close at 1 a.m.

Bill Feldgreber, the eSkape managing partner, said the club will admit 17- to 20-year-olds. He said he is waiting to see how successful it is before holding dance nights for the 21 and older crowd.

But on Monday, Village Manager William Brimm told the village board that eSkape has not met all the conditions of its special zoning use, especially the ones related to public safety.

The special use was narrowly approved by the village board, which voted to override a veto on the club by Village President Elliott Hartstein.

The concerns were mainly related to security, as police were concerned the club would be a magnet for gangs and other criminal elements from outside the village.

Brimm said Monday that a security plan had not been filed. He also said background checks have not been completed for management staff that will be working there. Also, he said the security system, which will be tied into the police department's security system, has not been installed. Nor has the police department started training eSkape staff, although that is scheduled to happen on Wednesday evening.

"We continue to work and have worked diligently but continue to run into roadblocks," said Brimm, who said there were also outstanding compliance issues related to fire evacuation procedures and building and zoning. "We will continue to work diligently on this through this week to get this resolved."

If the issues are not resolved, he said, "If we have to, we'll pull the plug on this week's event."

But Feldgreber said the security cameras will be in place. In addition, he said the security plan has been completed and is awaiting approval from the village.

As well, security personnel at eSkape have been fingerprinted and Feldgreber confirmed his staff will get training this week from the Buffalo Grove Police Department.

He added that the club has passed all inspections from the village's building and zoning, fire and health departments.

"We did as much as we can," Feldgreber said.