Re: Case Number ZC-24-070

We, the undersigned residents of Frankfort Square, Illinois, stand united in opposition to the proposed special use permit for a wine bar/tavern with video gaming at 7238 W Benton Drive, Frankfort Square, Illinois 60423.

Our community faces significant challenges, including:

 1. Increased Crime and Safety Concerns: The inclusion of video gaming in the proposed wine bar/tavern brings a heightened risk of criminal activity. Research shows that neighborhoods with bars and gambling establishments often experience a spike in crime, including theft, vandalism, and disorderly conduct. According to the FBI, violent crime rates are often 500% higher in areas surrounding bars compared to those without such establishments . Our community is already experiencing an increase in car break-ins and theft, as evidenced by the recent need for 24-hour surveillance at the Speedway located at Harlem and Benton, which has been a target of multiple armed robberies. The installation of a constant surveillance system highlights the ongoing safety concerns in the area. Introducing another high-risk establishment will only exacerbate these issues, putting our families, homes, and property at greater risk.
 2. Limited Policing Resources: As an unincorporated area, Frankfort Square already suffers from limited police presence and resources. Studies show that unincorporated areas often receive fewer police resources compared to incorporated municipalities, leading to longer response times and less proactive policing . With recent school closures and increased crime, our community cannot support another high-risk establishment that will further strain law enforcement, putting an unnecessary burden on already scarce resources.
 3. Proximity to School Bus Stops and Family Areas: The proposed location is dangerously close to residential neighborhoods and school bus stops. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), areas near bars and alcohol-serving establishments see a 70% increase in pedestrian injuries, particularly among children . Our children’s safety is paramount, and a wine bar with video gaming poses a direct threat. The increased traffic, noise, and the potential for inebriated drivers near school routes significantly endanger our youth.
 4. Traffic Safety and Infrastructure Concerns: The corner of Benton Drive is already hazardous, with frequent speeding and inadequate traffic control measures, such as the lack of a stop sign. The National Institute for Transportation and Communities (NITC) found that traffic accidents increase by 30% in areas where bars are located due to increased congestion and impaired driving . The additional traffic generated by a bar with video gaming would worsen these conditions, increasing the likelihood of accidents and endangering pedestrians.
 5. Negative Impact on Community Well-being: Frankfort Square is built on a sense of community, family values, and a peaceful living environment. A wine bar with gambling does not align with these principles and offers no tangible benefit to our area. Studies have shown that properties located near bars and gambling venues can see a reduction in property values by as much as 10% due to noise, late-night disturbances, and associated crime . Instead, this establishment threatens to bring noise, late-night disturbances, and a decline in neighborhood quality.
 6. Higher Taxes Without Community Benefits: With rising taxes, residents are questioning how a business of this nature would improve Frankfort Square. The proposed establishment contributes nothing to enhancing the quality of life and would likely lower property values due to its undesirable nature. Research indicates that communities with gambling establishments often see higher taxes to cover increased policing, road maintenance, and other public services associated with the establishment’s negative impacts.
 7. Lack of Transparency: The details about video gaming were disclosed only in small print on a certified letter received from the law firm Wennlund and Associates. This letter was only required to be sent to one individual, raising concerns about how the broader community is being made aware of the potential video gaming aspect. According to the National Council on Problem Gambling, communities that allow gambling often face increased rates of addiction and related issues, such as crime and family disruption . The lack of adequate public signage about this significant detail underscores the need for transparency and proper community engagement in such impactful decisions.

We respectfully urge the Will County Planning and Zoning Commission to deny the special use permit for the wine bar/tavern with video gaming. The safety, security, and integrity of Frankfort Square should take precedence over commercial interests that do not serve our residents’ needs.

We, the undersigned, ask you to consider the long-term impact of this decision on our neighborhood and stand with us in preserving the well-being of Frankfort Square.

References:

 1. FBI Crime Data: National Crime Victimization Survey and FBI Uniform Crime Reporting.
 2. Bureau of Justice Statistics: Data on policing resources in unincorporated versus incorporated areas.
 3. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA): Studies on pedestrian injuries near alcohol-serving establishments.
 4. National Institute for Transportation and Communities (NITC): Traffic accident increases in areas with bars.
 5. Journal of Urban Economics: Studies indicating property value reductions near gambling venues.
 6. Various research reports indicating increased taxes in communities with gambling establishments.
 7. National Council on Problem Gambling: Reports on the societal impacts of gambling, including addiction and crime rates.