The La Grange village board of trustees tonight unanimously adopted amendments to the zoning code that prohibit pawn shops and six other types of businesses from operating in the downtown business district, while adding five new types to the lists of permitted and special uses.
For details on all the business types affected, click here to read the report from village staff.
Village officials said a review of the code for the C-1 central commercial district was long overdue, it having last been updated in 1991. But they admitted the timing of the current review was triggered by a controversy that erupted in late May when hundreds of residents and business owners expressed fear and outrage upon learning that a business license had been granted to pawnbroker Andrew Grayson of Berwyn, who announced plans to open All-Star Jewelery & Loan in a downtown storefront formerly occupied by Hollywood Video.
The board's action likely will prevent Grayson from moving forward with his plans because existing licensees who now find themselves on the prohibited list may only be grandfathered if they also already have been granted a building permit or certificate of occupancy.
Grayson said he applied for his building permit nearly a month ago but has not yet received it and does not expect that he will.
Grayson was present at tonight's meeting but did not address the board. His attempt at a June 29 public hearing to persuade the village plan commission to reject the pawn shop prohibition proposed by the village staff fell on deaf ears as that body also unanimously supported all of the changes adopted tonight by the village.
Following the meeting, Grayson told reporters he has no immediate plans regarding his apparently aborted business. He said his only priority was to be home with his family, which as of Sunday includes his newborn son, Thomas.
However, Grayson left the village hall auditorium in the company of Village President Elizabeth Asperger, leading observers to wonder if the village is preparing to make Grayson a financial offer to cover expenses he incurred related to his shop.
Speculation about a possible payoff arose last week when the village board met in closed session to discuss "probable or imminent litigation." While Grayson has declined to discuss his legal options with reporters, several local attorneys have said his chances of winning a lawsuit against the village are good.
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I support the La Grange Village board's decision to prevent a Pawn Shop from opening in downtown La Grange. However, I believe the Village owes Mr. Grayson an apology and fair compensation for leading him to believe he initially could. It would be the fair and honorable way to conclude this embarrassing episode.
Posted by: J Deering | July 14, 2009 at 06:19 PM