Restaurant Gets Ok to Expand, Despite Neighbors’ Complaints of Odor

A G0-G0 Plaza restaurant will be able to expand, adding another 1,400 square feet  to its dining area despite neighbors’ complaints about “an unpleasant odor” emanating from its kitchen.

Manpasand Restaurant, located at 644 E. Golf Road, sought permission from the village to expand by adding 1,400 square feet to its existing location. An additional 68 sets would be created inside its dining room. Owner Srinivas Nelavelli and the property landlord appeared before Arlington Heights’s Plan Commission last month, as did neighbors seeking to halt the expansion.

According to residents, an odor filters through the neighborhood and has been traced back to the restaurant. The residents live in Mount Prospect, along Arlington Height’s border. 

“We don’t smell any of the other restaurants except Manpasand Restaurant,” said David Cimo, a neighbor who sent the village a letter about the situation. “People complain to us when they visit because it’s (the odor) is so strong."

His family can not sit outside during the summer because of the smell.

"There are things that can be done if they are made to do it,” Cimo said. 

Manpasand opened in March 2002. Arlington Heights began receiving complaints about an odor in 2006. Health officers inspected the restaurant and found the cooking equipment, surfaces and hood filers needed to be cleaned out. There were no further complaints until the following year.

Arlington Heights’ Health Services Department cited Manpasand Restaurant with permitting the emission of an objectionable odor after neighbors complained in 2007, said James McCalister, director of building and health services.

After seven court appearances, the citation was dropped because the village could not sustain burden of proof needed, he said. A problem is determining what odor is offensive since it can be subjective.

In 2011, a different ventilation system was installed following a fire, records show. Currently, the restaurant’s ventilation system meets the village’s codes, McAllister said.

This week, the village board followed the planning commission’s recommendation to approve Manpasand’s request. The property's landlord told the village board he did not smell the odor. The vote was unanimous. A condition of the approval is the restaurant investigates the odor and research technology to help curb the smell.

However, there has been discussion in the past about having Manpasand Restaurant completely change the ventilation system. It would cost thousands of dollars and there is no guarantee it would work, according to village documents. Neither Arlington Heights nor Illinois has requirements upgraded systems. If the village did require Manpasand and other restaurants install upgraded systems, restaurants may relocate, according to village documents.

Cino was disappointed to hear about the vote.

“We didn’t even know it was up for a follow-up meeting with a vote,” Cino said. “I don’t know what our options are.”