Unusual Lobbyist Presses Board for Underpass

When Brit Weinstein lobbied the Village Board of Trustees for an underpass beneath Deerfield Road near Wilmot Elementary School at their Monday meeting, it was not the usual public comment situation.

Weinstein, a South Park Elementary School student, is the youngest person to come before the Village’s legislative body to make an in person request in the more than 28 years Mayor Harriet Rosenthal has served as either mayor or a trustee.

“It will help keep all pedestrians safe,” Weinstein said to the Board. “I came up with the idea when our class learned about government.” He went into detail about how it could be done and why it would benefit the community.

Rosenthal let Weinstein know his idea would get consideration. “We’ll look at (projects like this) when we do our next budget,” she said.

Board Approves Report for New Restaurant

In other action, the Board approved reports from the Plan Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals setting in motion an ordinance which will pave the way for a new healthy food restaurant at 780 Saunders Road just south of Deerfield Road.

Owners Upsana Abbott and Anil Abbott overcame the Board’s concerns about the need for zoning changes and variances, in part because of their plan for two kitchens, to get unanimous backing by a 5-0 vote. One kitchen will be gluten free.

“There will be a separate part of the kitchen for gluten free so no contaminants will go from one part to another,” Upsana Abbott, who holds a Ph.D. in nutritional science, said. “We will promote zero waste.”

The property, which is near several office complexes, is currently zoned residential. It has a home more than a century old which will be torn down to make way for the restaurant.

Anil Abbott also explained restaurant employees would park at the nearby gas station at the corner of Deerfield and Saunders Roads which he owns. “The (Edens) Bank has said we could use some of their parking,” he added.

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