The second time proved to be the charm for a financial services company that was approved to operate in the Village of Worth.
Several trustees had questioned how the company, Alnoor, conducted its business. So many questions were raised at the last Worth Village Board meeting that consideration for a license was put on hold.
However, owner Senan Shaqdeh was given another opportunity to apply for a license for Alnoor, 11403 S. Harlem Ave., at the Worth Village Board meeting on July 15.
Trustee Rich Dziedzic initially voted against Alnoor at the first meeting because the financial service company does not provide the village with sales taxes.
Other trustees were confused about how the business served the community. Shaqdeh explained that money can be sent overseas through a number of ways, including Zell. Dziedzic said it would be beneficial if the financial services company could provide a variety of services that would assist many members of the community.
Shaqdeh said that he was looking into that right now. After a brief discussion, the board tentatively approved a license for Alnoor. They were also approved for a reduction in the required number of vehicle parking spaces for Alnoor.
Le Beirut Lounge parking
While Alnoor was given approval, Le Beirut Hookah Lounge, 7011 W. 111th St., will have to wait for the next meeting for approval for a retail tobacco store. The Real Estate Development Board had voted recently to reject the business request.
The issue is about not having enough parking available at the Le Beirut Lounge. Patrons are parking on side streets and in other lots because not enough parking is available. But board members allowed for the owners to attend the next meeting in which they said they will come up with additional parking for patrons. They will also inform the board of the accurate square footage of parking for the business.
Scooter concerns
Board members also had concerns over teens riding scooters throughout the village at high rates of speed.
“Unfortunately, there are young kids driving with no helmets and they go through stop signs,” said Mayor Mary Werner.
Trustee Pete Kats, who is the head of the public safety committee, said that this is a safety concern.
“There are many kids on bikes, mini-bikes and these kids are running stop signs,” Kats added.
Werner said the village would look into some possible regulations to make these young riders obey traffic regulations.
Trustee Laura Packwood, who serves as the chair of the golf committee, said that business is brisk at the Water’s Edge Golf Course. She said the kids golf camp has been successful.
Village Clerk Bonnie Price said that a block party has been approved from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 9, from Crandall Avenue from Oak Park to New England avenues. Ed Palenik had made the request and the board approved it.
“We will have barricades set up that day,” Price said. “They have been doing this for years.”
The next village board meeting will take place at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 6. The meeting has been moved up one day because National Night Out will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 5, at Altman Park, 115th and Beloit.
