Time to let Hideaway back in business

The new owners of the Hideaway Restaurant north of St. Charles continue to face objections in their quest to reopen the iconic restaurant. It's been a year since the owners had their first hearing before Kane County government.

The River Bend Community Group's executive board supported the reopening of the Hideaway by a vote of 5-3. An opinion poll of their membership was taken recently, and those who participated were in favor by a 2 to 1 margin.

Kane County held a Zoning Board hearing (approved 6-1), numerous Development Committee hearings (approved 8-0) and two County Board meetings (approved 18-5). The owners' applications were approved at each government level.

County Board Representative Deborah Allan stated at the county board meeting on Sept. 8, 2015, that she went into the neighborhood and talked to local residents and they were in agreement that they wanted the restaurant reopened.

The county board approved the Hideaway petitions knowing it was approving a restaurant that would serve alcohol, the same as the previous Hideaway. Is this a different kind of restaurant than the old Hideaway? Certainly. This will be more of a blue collar neighborhood venue instead of the supper club that was there before.

When the original Hideaway was in business, there were no objections to customer traffic, delivery trucks, garbage trucks and normal business activities. This proposal is a restaurant that existed, was closed and is poised to reopen.

Now the liquor commission is hosting another community meeting at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 18, at Valley View Baptist Church to discuss the matter. Since every level of government and the residents support the reopening of the restaurant, it is time to approve the liquor license so the owners can proceed with their plans.

Chuck Ingersoll

President, River Bend Community Group

St. Charles