Is popular Boston Fish Market in Des Plaines expanding?
The ever-popular Boston Fish Market in Des Plaines has plans to build a 2,400-square-foot restaurant addition and outdoor patio - or does it?
The market at 1225 Forest Ave. submitted expansion plans to Des Plaines' department of community and economic development, as it requires a zoning variation for 56 parking spaces in its lot; city code usually requires a minimum of 75.
But a store manager said Friday the market is not expanding, and even though the project was proposed at one time, it's not happening anymore.
That revelation was news to city officials, who say Boston Fish Market hasn't withdrawn its petition for a zoning variance.
City staff members recommended to the zoning board of appeals not to approve a variation without an executed off-site parking agreement for a minimum of 19 parking spaces. Boston Fish owner Louis Psihogios indicated he would obtain an agreement with a neighboring property owner, city officials said.
The matter was to be considered by the zoning board Aug. 25 and Sept. 8, but it's been continued twice because there wasn't yet an agreement.
"We're awaiting a parking agreement, and if we get one, we'll talk about it on (Sept. 29)," said Scott Mangum, the city's senior planner, noting the date of the next zoning board meeting.
Psihogios, the petitioner listed on the city application, couldn't be reached Friday for comment.
Boston Fish's existing 27,100-square-foot building includes its warehouse wholesale operations, offices and a 1,500-square-foot restaurant.
While the expansion would increase inside seating, the patio seating would be less than that currently provided on a grassy area outside the building, according to a traffic study. So the total seating with the proposed expansion - 128 seats - is actually about half the indoor and outdoor seating currently provided, the study says.