Lake County News-Sun |

Lake Forest council approves larger terrace for Gorton Community Center

Despite the objections of some neighbors, the Lake Forest City Council has upheld a decision from the city’s Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) allowing the construction of a larger terrace at the Gorton Community Center.

On April 1, the city’s aldermen voted unanimously to deny an appeal from neighbors of a Feb. 28 HPC vote issuing a certificate of appropriateness for design aspects as the city seeks to replace the existing terrace in the northwest corner of the community center, at 400 E. Illinois Road.

The city believes the existing 420-square-foot terrace — which was built more than 30 years ago — is deteriorating due to drainage issues. Therefore, city officials want to replace it with a larger outdoor area spanning 724 square feet that can accommodate additional tables and chairs.

Since the community center is in one of the city’s historic districts, HPC approval was required for the design aspects of the proposal, not how the event space is used. The HPC members believed the city’s request met the applicable standards under the city’s code, according to the minutes of the meeting.

Yet neighbors appealed the HPC decision to the City Council, fearing possible drainage issues, as well as excessive noise from private Gorton events.

“That terrace is going to be a nuisance to the neighborhood because it is going to drive people and noise,” neighbor Christopher Draska said at the April 1 City Council meeting.

However, the council upheld the HPC decision, pointing to an updated special-use permit for Gorton passed earlier this year that added parameters and limitations on various events and activities at the community center, including the use of the terrace.

“I am heartened by the fact that there is a special-use permit in place now that the neighbors can look to for guidance about what Gorton can do with their events at the space,” Ald. Nancy Novit, 1st,  said after the meeting. “Supporting the terrace with the special-use permit guidelines should address the concerns of the neighbors,”

Community Development Director Catherine Czerniak said construction of the new terrace could start in the next few months.