Board Approves Permit to Rebuild Historic Barn on Schoolhouse Road

Village of Mokena Board of Trustees Meeting | October 27, 2025

Article Summary: The Mokena Village Board approved a special use permit for resident George Pasztelan to rebuild a historic barn at 19501 Schoolhouse Road that was destroyed in a storm. The vote was 4-2, with two trustees expressing concerns over the property’s maintenance and the number of zoning variances being granted.

Schoolhouse Road Barn Permit Key Points:

• The board approved a special use permit and rezoning to allow for the reconstruction of a 2,100-square-foot barn/garage.

• The original historic barn on the property was destroyed by a storm approximately one year ago.

• The measure passed on a 4-2 vote, with Trustees Terry G. Germany and Daniel C. Gilbert voting against it.

The Mokena Village Board on Monday, October 27, 2025, approved a request from resident George Pasztelan to rebuild a historic barn on his property at 19501 Schoolhouse Road. The measure, which passed in a 4-2 vote, grants a special use permit and rezones the property to allow for the construction of a 2,100-square-foot garage-style barn on the foundation of the original structure, which was destroyed in a storm over a year ago.

Community Development Director Brent Cann explained that the project includes a wood-sided barn with a metal roof and cupola. The approval also memorializes existing accessory structures on the property, bringing the entire site into conformity with village code.

Trustee Nick Clancy acknowledged input from several neighbors who he said were “instrumental in this process” by providing feedback at meetings and through emails.

However, the proposal drew criticism from two board members. Trustee Terry G. Germany voiced strong opposition, citing concerns about the property’s upkeep. “That property has not been maintained,” Germany said. “There’s not been a coat of paint put on that barn. It’s never been worked on… since the barn’s been removed, the weeds have grown out of control.”

Germany also stated that allowing numerous variances for setbacks and driveway materials was not “setting a good precedence for the village.”

Trustees Germany and Daniel C. Gilbert voted against the ordinance, but it passed with support from Trustees Debbie Engler, Melissa Fedora, Josh M. Bailey, and Nick Clancy.