Starbucks Proposed for Northwest Highway

A Starbucks is being proposed on Northwest Highway near Smith Street.

The plan will go before Palatine's Zoning Board of Appeals on Oct. 11. The project also would include a restaurant to be called Charley's Grilled Subs. The meeting will be at 7 p.m. at Village Hall, 200 E. Wood St.

If approved, an 8,000-square foot commercial building would be constructed in the 200 block of W. Northwest Highway, between and McDonald's.

"From a staff perspective, zoning usually is the biggest obstacle," Palatine Director of Planning and Zoning Ben Vyverberg said. "This area has been zoned for commercial for a time. That question (zoning) on that stretch of Northwest Highway has been asked and answered."

Vyverberg said the zoning board review was triggered because the project involves a restaurant – which is considered a special use – and a proposed drive-through for the Starbucks.

The commercial building would have three storefronts. There is not a tenant for one of the units.

Vyverberg said new development would use an existing shared driveway that has access to Northwest Highway and would not be creating another entrance onto the state highway.

Vyverberg said the kinds of issues that will be examined while the project is under review are whether any improvements are needed in the area to ensure good traffic flow.

After the project goes before the zoning board, it will be considered by the