This Burr Ridge Bar Is Too Noisy: Residents

BURR RIDGE, IL — The opponents and supporters of a proposed lounge at Burr Ridge's County Line Square agreed on one thing Monday — the source of much of the noise at the shopping center.

At a meeting, the Village Board approved the Are We Live lounge, sought by Capri Ristorante owner Filippo "Gigi" Rovito.

One of the concerns was possible noise from the lounge, though that issue faded somewhat when Rovito eliminated live music from the plan.

In February, Jennifer Fox, who lives near County Line Square, complained about "drunk karaoke" from the County Wine Merchant. In expressing concern about possible noise from the lounge Monday, she brought up the wine bar again.

County Wine Merchant did not return a Facebook message for comment.

According to village records, Burr Ridge police answered five noise complaints about County Wine Merchant last year. No other establishment got more than one. (Fox disputed the numbers, saying she called about the wine bar every weekend last summer.)

Fox also said she hears drunk people in the parking lot from Capri. But she described the music coming from the County Wine Merchant as "horrifying."

"The noise is much worse from County Wine Merchant," she said. "The music has gotten worse over the years... I want to come back home from my 12-hour day and have a glass of wine or water and enjoy my music. I don't think that's asking too much as a resident. I promise you I'm not the only one who is upset."

Robert Iovinelli, a supporter of Are We Live, agreed about the County Wine Merchant.

"It's a very small business that has karaoke quite often, very loud, as many as four or five people playing instruments," he said. "If there is noise being generated from that shopping center, it's being caused by the wine bar. He runs a very loud business."

Trustee Guy Franzese said he understood the concern about County Wine Merchant.

"I'd be upset too. I'd be calling police," he said. "I have been to that establishment when they have karaoke. It's loud. (Jennifer Fox) has a point. The outdoor seating evolved into outdoor music."