Bartlett rejects proposed downtown video gambling bistro
After months of scrutiny from residents and Bartlett's plan commission, a proposal for what would have been the town's 10th video gambling establishment was voted down Tuesday by the village board.
Four of the six trustees voted against the plan for Daniela's Bistro, after several residents voiced concerns over the proposed location near the intersection of Bartlett Avenue and Hickory Avenue and the nature of the business.
"We want to see services such as we already have, like a bank and a doctor's office, something that will enhance our neighborhood and not take away from it," said resident Pam Schilling. "We don't need another gambling establishment, we already have nine."
Residents who live on the north end of Hickory Avenue have opposed the proposed bistro since it was first presented in July.
Petitioner Peter Zaikowski's initial plan called for five video gambling terminals, nine seats and one bathroom. After hearing feedback from residents and Bartlett staff, Zaikowski changed his proposal to include 16 indoor seats, an outdoor patio that seats 12 and two bathrooms. He also reduced the number of video gambling machines to four.
"I think the extra seating was just kind of a smoke and mirrors thing to show that they're doing more seating when you will never be able to use the seating," Trustee Michael Camerer said.
Camerer said he spoke with several residents who opposed plans for Daniela's. Residents in the older part of town on the village's north side made it clear they don't want video gambling close to them, he said.
"I think that's what we have to do as trustees, listen to the community," he added.
Trustee Ray Deyne, who along with Trustee T.L. Arends voted for the proposal, said the village should have been more welcoming to Zaikowski, who "wanted to make an investment" in Bartlett's downtown.
"This is just another slap in the face for businesses in the downtown area," Deyne said.
Arends said she was conflicted because she "believes in downtown Bartlett," but also wanted to support the residents who live near the proposed site.
Village President Kevin Wallace said he hopes Zaikowski continues to look in Bartlett for a space for Daniela's.