JOLIET CITY COUNCIL Basketball facility gets OK, advice

JOLIET CITY COUNCIL Basketball facility gets OK, advice
Publication: Herald News, The (Joliet, IL) Section: MAIN Page: A1 By: By Tony Graf

JOLIET - Plans for an indoor basketball complex received the city council's approval Tuesday, but the owner of Premiere Hoops also got an admonition to be a good neighbor to Channahon residents who live nearby. Many of those residents have opposed the plan. They say Premiere Hoops' basketball complex, with its nighttime activity and its potential for heavy traffic, would be a disruptive presence in their neighborhood. Bill Leach, a Plainfield resident and owner of Premiere Hoops, says he wants a chance to prove he can be a good neighbor. The council voted 6-2 to grant him a special-use permit to build a 23,300-square-foot facility west of U.S. 6 and McClintock Road, in the City's Edge Commercial Park near Joliet's border with Channahon.
"We've tried to meet every request that has been given to us ." Leach told the council.
"You know, I don't like the word 'try,'" Mayor Art Schultz replied. "We will," Leach said.
"OK," Schultz said. Councilman Tom Giarrante added: "We will stay on top of this, and we're taking you at your word."

Earlier, Councilman Tim Brophy had mentioned a resolution passed by the Channahon Village Board requesting certain conditions to the special-use permit. Among those conditions are: that no liquor license be granted; that the hours of operation are not to begin before 7 a.m. or continue beyond 10 p.m.; that on-street parking be prohibited on City's Edge Drive, McClintock Road and Channahon village streets; that a security management plan be provided; and that on-site security and appropriate staff be present at all times. Leach said he will comply with these conditions. Joliet City Councilman Joseph Shetina told neighbors, "If the property becomes a nuisance, I'm in the book ... I'm available if you have a complaint. Call me."
Outside council chambers after the vote, Channahon resident Jean Hansen responded to the councilman's remarks. "Joe Shetina said to call him, but we're calling (Joliet Police Chief) Fred Hayes. Hayes' number is going up on our bulletin board," she said. "The first time we get referred to the Channahon police, we'll be back here at the city council."

Voting yes were Schultz; Councilwoman Susie Barber, and Councilmen Giarrante, Brophy, Shetina and Michael Turk. Voting no were Councilman Tony Uremovic and Councilwoman Jan Quillman. Earlier in the discussion, Quillman had wanted to postpone a vote on the issue so a meeting could be held involving neighbors of the proposed complex. However, the council defeated that motion. The Premiere Hoops complex will host league play, instructional camps and pickup games. It will include two National Basketball Association-sized courts, stadium-style seating for 144 spectators and parking for 137 vehicles.