The McHenry County Zoning Board of Appeals unanimously recommended approval of a zoning reclassification that would change approximately 9.86 acres near U.S. Highway 14 in Chemung Township from A-1 Agricultural to I-1 Light Industrial to support business expansion by Illumitank (referred to in testimony as Alumitank/Lumetank).

Why it matters: the rezoning would allow the family-owned manufacturer to convert an existing hangar and adjacent support areas (septic, stormwater basins, wells) to industrial use and to formalize infrastructure already serving the firm. Board members described the company as a longtime employer in the area and said the site aligns with existing commercial and industrial development along the Route 14 corridor.

Petitioner testimony: David Kirkpatrick, who identified himself as general manager of Illumitank and the family’s representative, told the board the property consists of about 9.86 acres of a larger family holding and that the business operates nearby at 11317 North U.S. Highway 14. He described current use of the building as an aircraft hangar and storage on the south end and said the company intends to bring manufacturing operations into the southern portion after code upgrades and site work. Kirkpatrick said the company employs 87 workers and that reclassification would improve use of existing facilities and support future investment, stormwater and sanitary infrastructure, and a private fire-suppression water system.

Staff and standards: county staff stated the site is zoned A-1 and said surrounding parcels are a mix of agriculture and industrial uses; the county’s future land-use map designates the parcel as agricultural but staff recommended the reclassification because the parcel is closely aligned with adjacent industrial development. The petitioner and staff addressed the statutory balancing tests the board must apply: compatibility with surrounding zoning and uses, impact on property values, public health and safety, hardship to the applicant if denied, suitability for existing zoning, community need and consistency with the comprehensive plan.

Board action: after public testimony and questions, the board voted 7–0 to recommend rezoning the parcel from A-1 to I-1 and will forward the case to the McHenry County Board on Nov. 18. Board members repeatedly cited the business’s long-standing local presence and the site’s location along a commercial/industrial corridor as reasons to approve the request.

Next steps: the reclassification will be considered by the McHenry County Board; if the county board approves, the applicant must complete any required building-code upgrades, stormwater permits and other regulatory approvals before expanded manufacturing can begin.