NW Illinois News

City of Galena Historic Preservation Commission met April 3.

Here are the minutes provided by the commission:

25HPC-008- CALL TO ORDER

Brown called the meeting of the Galena Historic Preservation Commission to order at 6:30 PM on Thursday, March 6, 2025.

25HPC-009- ROLL CALL

Upon roll call, the following members were present: Larry Wiedenheft, Craig Brown, Matt Carroll, Steve Monahan, Chuck Horton, Emily Doyle

Absent: Jeremey White

25HPC-010 – ESTABLISHMENT OF QUORUM

A quorum was declared.

25HPC-011 - PUBLIC COMMENTS

None

25HPC-012 – APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF March 6, 2025

Motion: Horton moved, seconded by Monahan, to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission of March 6, 2025.

Discussion: None

The motion was carried by voice vote.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

None

NEW BUSINESS

25HPC-013 Discussion on a proposal by Nate Gawlick and Megan Abeyta, 209 S. West St., Galena, Il 61036 for retail storage lockers to be located in various locations in the downtown district.

Presenters:

ξ Megan Abeyta – Local resident, dairy nutritionist

ξ Nathan Gawlick – Co-owner of Hotel Galena

Proposal Overview

Megan and Nathan presented a proposal to install retail storage lockers throughout downtown Galena. The aim is to offer secure, short-term storage for visitors and locals— enhancing convenience and supporting local businesses—without compromising the historic charm of the area.

Key Objectives & Community Benefits

ξ Boost Local Shopping: Encourages longer shopping visits without the burden of carrying bags.

ξ Reduce Traffic Congestion: Minimizes midday car trips for drop-offs, supporting walkability.

ξ Support Infrastructure Growth: Prepares for increased foot traffic from hotel shuttles and potential return of passenger rail.

ξ Contribute to Community: 10% of profits will go to local causes like the Galena Food Pantry.

Ordinance & Historical Compatibility

ξ Lockers do not fall under our ordinance 110.45, which covers coin-operated entertainment and vending devices.

ξ Lockers are non-interactive, passive infrastructure, akin to benches, mailboxes, and tourism kiosks.

ξ Dimensions: 37.5” L x 23” W x 76” H—small footprint, not visually disruptive.

ξ Lockers will be designed to blend with the streetscape and can be relocated using a pallet jack.

Planned Locations (Phased Approach)

1. Phase 1 – Pilot project: Two locker towers at the Trolley Depot (private property).

2. Phase 2 – Potential expansion to:

o Washington Park

o Commerce & Main intersections

o Restaurant district (e.g., near Gabby’s)

o Diagonal Street area

o Underutilized public spaces

All units will be intentionally placed to complement, not compete with, Galena’s historic aesthetic.

Community Feedback (Preliminary Survey Results)

ξ 28 businesses surveyed so far:

o 80% support or are neutral to lockers near their business

o 46% believe lockers will increase shopping time and purchases

o 70% currently hold items for customers, many of which are forgotten

o 39% get item-holding requests at least once a week

Governance & Vision

ξ Advocated for creating a new ordinance tailored to this use rather than adapting an outdated one.

ξ Proposed governance would:

o Set clear visual standards

o Guide location choices

o Allow for monitoring and adaptation over time

o Support public benefit across user groups—locals, employees, day trippers, and overnight guests

Closing Remarks

ξ The lockers are not gimmicks or disruptive structures, they are smart, respectful, and purpose-built.

ξ Galena’s Main Street is a rare and valuable treasure; maintaining its vibrancy requires adapting to visitor and resident needs.

ξ Just as mailboxes and parking meters evolved, this infrastructure reflects modern expectations while supporting the town’s future.

No action was taken

PUBLIC HEARINGS

None

OTHER BUSINESS

None

25HPC-014: ADJOURNMENT

Meeting adjourned by voice vote at 7:06 pm

https://www.cityofgalena.org/media/cms/HPC_Agenda_5125_8AC9F9C6147FD.pdf