Boston Fish plans expansion after all, Des Plaines officials say
Des Plaines officials say Boston Fish Market in Des Plaines is still pursuing its expansion plans, contrary to what a manager previously told the Daily Herald.
The market's owner, Louis Psihogios, appeared with his architect this week at a city zoning board meeting, where they continued to discuss their plans for a 2,400-square-foot restaurant addition and outdoor patio at 1225 Forest Ave., according to Scott Mangum, the city's senior planner.
A store manager said in a brief interview Sept. 18 that the market is not expanding, and even though the project was proposed at one time, it's not happening anymore.
But Boston Fish never withdrew a city petition for a zoning variance, which is needed to make the expansion happen. They're seeking a variation for 56 parking spaces in the lot, while city code usually requires a minimum of 75.
At the zoning board of appeals meeting Tuesday, Psihogios also presented a letter from Aldi, which has a store across the street, referencing an off-site parking agreement for 25 spaces, Mangum said.
City staff members have recommended the zoning board not approve a variation without an executed off-site parking agreement for a minimum of 19 parking spaces.
But the city is still waiting to see the agreement itself before signing off on the project, Mangum said.
"We want to see the actual lease showing the location of the parking spaces," he said.
The matter was continued from this week's meeting to the next one Oct. 13. The item has been on previous zoning board agendas Aug. 25 and Sept. 8.
Boston Fish's existing 27,100-square-foot building includes its warehouse wholesale operations, offices and a 1,500-square-foot restaurant.