Resale Shop a Go in Downtown Huntley

A new business _ a resale shop specializing in furniture _ is moving into downtown Huntley but the lack of parking was a sticking point for one trustee who voted against the plan.

Business owner Darla Jones recently requested a special use permit for a second hand shop in the 2,200 square foot storefront on Woodstock St., adjacent to the post office. The Huntley post office occupied the space until 2008 when it moved some of its facilities to a new location.  

Vintage Resale will offer furniture, home accessories and items purchased from storage. It will not accept donations. The store will make the shop handicap assessable, adding unitsa ramp and a bathroom.

Huntley’s Planning Commission approved the special use permit but the village board needs to approve it as well. While a public hearing on the permit drew no comments, the plan did draw comments from trustees when it was presented last month.

“I am very, very concerned about this. I love a resale shop but the location is the problem,” Trustee Pam Fender said at the committee of the whole meeting Sept. 20. “There is no parking whatsoever. We have fistfights out there everyday. It’s a nightmare because of the post office next door.”

“This location is possibility the worst location in town,” Fender said. “I see people screaming in the streets. There are already short tempers on that street.”

The building was erected in 1946, predating any zoning ordinances requiring parking lots or stalls on the site, Director of Development Services Charles Nordman said. Employees and customers will have find on street parking, which is limited, or park in municipal lots.

“I did take the parking into consideration and for loading or unloading there is a dock there,” Jones told the board. “I know the parking is a problem for employees but they will have to park in a public lot. If I can do it, they can do it.”

“For customers, it’s not a busy resale shop, I don’t see that many people (coming in) at one time,” Jones said.

Fender, however, felt the location is not a good idea for the village.

“I don’t think anyone will argue with you (about the lack of parking), but I would like to think they took it into consideration and they are giving it a go,” Mayor Charles Sass said.

“I think you are going a bit extreme,” Sass said of Fender’s comments. “It’s free enterprise, the way I look at it.”

“If the lady is fully aware of the situation and wants to give it a go, more power to you,” Trustee Harry Leopold said.

The village board approved the request at its Sept. 27 meeting by a 4-1 with Fender voting no.