A zoning hearing in December was the last time village officials had to consider what to do about a restaurant’s illegal expansion, but in the meantime the business has been working to figure out how it can keep the added dining space. Though nothing formal has been submitted, Village Administrator Tim Gillian said Gaetano’s, 7636 Madison, may be on the verge of presenting the council with a plan to bring the structure into compliance with local building regulations.
“I am anticipating a formal report from them in the next week or two,” Gillian said.
Since adding an enclosed seating area that does not meet local regulations, the restaurant has not been allowed to use the added space. The village issued a cease and desist order in September halting construction. In December, zoning board members voted 3-2 to deny a waiver that would allow the structure to stand. That decision is an advisory one, and the final say rests with the village council. According to Gillian, the restaurant has been working with engineers and architects to identify the structure’s shortcomings and ultimately present the village with possible solutions.
