Geneva IL New Bed And Breakfast Right Behind My Building

Kane County Chronicle GENEVA, IL – After continuing arguments about a special use to allow a bed and breakfast near Geneva’s downtown Monday, aldermen voted 6-4 in favor.

Aldermen, acting as the committee of the whole, last week voted 5-5 with Mayor Kevin Burns voting yes to break the tie. 

Linda Lydon, who owns the historic two-flat at 109 Peyton St., proposed a five-bedroom bed and breakfast – to be called The Geneva Inn – that she hopes to have open in time for Swedish Days. She proposes to charge $190 per night.

Speaking to the council and a standing room only crowd, Lydon said phase two will be a new garage with a second story to be her residence and her bedroom would become part of the bed and breakfast.

Fifth Ward Alderman Craig Maladra, who voted against it last week, changed his vote to be in favor.

Maladra said he understood how people felt, not wanting a business in a residential neighborhood, but he said he would base his vote on facts, not feelings.

“Bed and breakfasts are allowed in residential neighborhoods,” Maladra said of the city’s zoning ordinance. “Most people I heard from who opposed this bed and breakfast, favor a bed and breakfast somewhere [else]. It  makes me nervous where we get into a situation where it’s OK in somebody’s backyard, but not my back yard.”

First Ward Alderman Charles Brown, who voted against it last week, continued his opposition, saying it was not the right fit for the neighborhood.

Resident Carla Hibbard, who lives in an historic house on the 100 block of Second Street, agreed it was not a good fit for the neighborhood, especially traffic.

“Peyton Street is a nightmare,” Hibbard said. “This is not the right spot. Maybe there is a huge empty lot in Mill Creek” for a bed and breakfast. 

But Tom Konopacki, who owns Anastazia, a home decor business on Third Street, said the only thing missing from Geneva’s downtown was a bed and breakfast.

“You’re not realizing the draw these bed and breakfasts bring to the community,” Konopacki said. “Thousands of people flock to Galena to spend their money ... We’ve got trees and the beautiful river. What we don’t have is a charming, warm bed and breakfast feeling for visitors to come and stay in our community.”

Voting against the measure were Brown, Second Ward alderman Richard Marks, Third Ward alderman Ray Paw