Planning & Zoning Commission
Jun 9, 2026
The lede
- Commission recommended approval of four special use permits: a 1,052 sq. ft. residential garage, an impound yard, a restaurant with bar and video gaming, and a mural commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence
- All four cases approved unanimously (5-0-1 or 6-0) and forwarded to City Council for final approval
- Commission elections held: Gary Greenhow elected Chairman and Alyssa Maher elected Vice Chairman for 2026-2027 term
- Staff warned applicants about scam invoices being sent to applicants following publication of cases
Decisions & votes
Case 2026-08 (Greenhow garage): Recommended approval 5-0-1 (Greenhow abstained) for special use to construct garage exceeding 900 sq. ft. at 330 W. Jackson Street, bringing total garage size to 1,052 sq. ft. Approved subject to 3 staff conditions.
Case 2026-09 (Montalbano impound yard): Recommended approval 6-0 for special use for outdoor storage/impound yard at 725 Columbia Avenue in General Industrial District. Approved subject to 2 staff conditions.
Case 2026-10 (Shabani restaurant/gaming): Recommended approval 6-0 for special use for indoor commercial entertainment (restaurant with bar and video gaming) at 336 W. Chrysler Drive in General Business District. Approved subject to 2 staff conditions.
Case 2026-11 (Arts Council mural): Recommended approval 6-0 for special use to install mural at 314 S. State Street celebrating 250th anniversary of Declaration of Independence. Mural dedication scheduled for September 19, 2026. Approved subject to 2 staff conditions.
Officer Elections: Gary Greenhow elected Chairman and Alyssa Maher elected Vice Chairman for 2026-2027 term after tied 3-3 vote between the two candidates.
Discussion items
Greenhow garage: Commissioners questioned whether applicant’s barrel furniture hobby constituted a business. Applicant clarified furniture-making from whiskey barrels is purely recreational. Commission discussed enforcement of “no living quarters” restriction in garages.
Montalbano impound yard: Extensive discussion about fencing (8-foot chain link planned, up to 10 feet allowed; barbed wire not permitted in GI District), screening of taller vehicles/RVs, and security measures (cameras and video surveillance planned). Applicant clarified property is for police impound only, not salvage/scrap yard; vehicles held 30-45 days maximum before being moved elsewhere if unclaimed.
Shabani gaming facility: Discussion about gaming industry health in Belvidere. Staff reported several stand-alone gaming businesses have closed, but combined restaurant/gaming operations performing well. City currently uses 35 of 50 allowed gaming licenses.
Arts Council mural: Discussion about preservation of existing mural (panels will be reused for future murals) and use of mounted panels versus painting directly on building (panels allow easier repairs and building maintenance). Commissioner expressed concern murals look like “posters”; applicant emphasized all work by local artists, not AI-generated.
Financial / operational notes
City of Belvidere currently has 35 of 50 allowed video gaming licenses in use. Four cases scheduled for July 14, 2026 meeting.