Chicago City Wire

City of Wheaton Planning and Zoning Board met Aug. 12

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

I. Call To Order and Roll Call Vote

Chair Aranas called the Tuesday, August 12, 2025, Wheaton Planning and Zoning Board meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. in-person and via zoom. Upon roll call, the following were:

Roll Call Vote

Present: Nicole Aranas

Ben Blume

Chris Dabovich

Bob Gudmundson

Cecilia Horejs

Mark Plunkett

Philip Spittler

Absent: None

City Staff Present: Tracy Jones, Staff Planner

II. Approval of Minutes - July 8, 2025

The minutes were approved as presented.

III. Public Comment

Chair Aranas welcomed Philip Spittler to the Planning and Zoning Board.

IV. New Business

ZA #25-15/ Text Amendment and Special Use Permit/ 923 E. Roosevelt Road/ Candle of Hope Foundation

Pursuant to notice duly published on July 26, 2025, and letters mailed to neighboring property owners on July 24, 2025, Chair Aranas called to order the August 12, 2025 public hearing requesting an amendment to Article II of the Zoning Ordinance to include a definition for a Kat Lounge. The application also requests an amendment to Article XXXI of the Zoning Ordinance to permit a Kat Lounge as a Special Use in the R-R-3 Zoning District and seeks consideration of a Special Use Permit for a Kat Lounge at 923 E. Roosevelt Road, Wheaton, Illinois, 60187.

LaShyia Norwood was sworn in. Ms. Norwood stated that she worked for the proposed owner/operator, Shaden Kassar, who was out of the country and not able to attend the public hearing.

Ms. Norwood stated that the proposed Kat Lounge is not a cat adoption facility and is not meant to function as a shelter, boarding business, or rescue. All cats residing in the lounge are privately owned by the founders or long-term companions of the foundation. These cats are not available for adoption and are not sourced from outside shelters or the public. The Kat Lounge would operate Tuesday through Sunday from 11 am to 8 pm. The capacity is limited to 15 guests at one time and 10 resident cats owned by the founder or foundation. No adoptions or veterinary care would be provided onsite and no intake or boarding of outside cats is proposed at this time.

Staff Planner Jones stated that if a cat sitting/ boarding component of four or more cats is proposed in the future, an additional special use permit for a Kennel would be required.

Ms. Norwood stated that a preliminary floor plan has been provided. The preliminary floor plan shows a reception area, sales area, multiple lounges, multiple studies/ playrooms, boarding room, break room, litter box room, and restrooms. Prepackaged food and beverages would be available for purchase in the sales area. No exterior changes to the building or site improvements are planned at this time, however an elevation of the space has been provided.

Ms. Norwood stated that the definition for a Kat Lounge being proposed is “A nonprofit, community-based establishment that offers a calm, sensory-friendly environment where individuals can relax, study, or socialize in the presence of resident cats. The primary purpose of a Kat Lounge is to promote emotional wellness, provide therapeutic enrichment, and foster positive human-animal interactions. Unlike a Cat Adoption Agency, a Kat Lounge is not focused on rehoming animals; resident cats are long-term companions or personally owned by the operator. The space may include quiet lounge areas, study rooms, and workstations, and may serve prepackaged food and beverages. The facility must comply with all applicable health, safety, and animal care standards as required by local, county and state regulations.”

Staff Planner Jones stated that she has discussed this request with Health Department Staff and since the applicant is only proposing prepackaged food and beverage sales, no Health Department approval is required. However, it is staff’s understanding that a license through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) would be required. The USDA would oversee the licensing, registration and standards of care (i.e. housing and space, feeding and watering, veterinary care, humane handling, separation of incompatible animals) for the Kat Lounge.

Lauren Rizzo, 525 W. Roosevelt Road, Wheaton was sworn in. Ms. Rizzo stated that she was the Director of Operations for St. Sophia’s Forgotten Felines. She added that while she does not oppose the text amendment request to add a Kat Lounge as a special use in the R-R-3 District, she has concerns with this specific special use request. Her concerns included their non-profit status, transparency of funding, and non-existent bylaws.

The Board discussed the application and while they do not oppose the text amendment component (to add a Kat Lounge as a special use in the R-R-1 District), they requested that the existing definition be reworked to make it more generic and additional information on the non-profit status and financials are provided. They further requested that the owner/ operator, Shaden Kassar, attend the next meeting.

Mr. Gudmundson moved and then Ms. Horejs seconded the motion to continue the public hearing until the requested information is available, and the owner/ operator can be present. On a voice vote, all voted aye.

V. Miscellaneous

There was none.

VI. Adjournment

Mr. Dabovich moved and then Ms. Horejs seconded the motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:05 p.m. On a voice vote, all voted aye.

https://www.wheaton.il.us/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_08122025-2912