Fox River Grove Zoning Board Split On Allowing Tours At Bettendorf Castle

The Fox River Grove Zoning Board of Appeals voted, 3-3, Wednesday night in its recommendation to grant the owner of Bettendorf Castle a special use permit for tours. The board also ruled unanimously against granting a series of seven variances that would allow the castle to host weddings, banquets and more. Chairman Dan Celske and members Richard Murren and Fred Rosch all ruled in favor, with Murren saying that castle tours will benefit the town. “The downtown area is so depressed,” Murren said.