Commission approves concept plan for Crash Champions collision center; annexation agreement amendment required

The Lockport Plan and Zoning Commission approved a concept plan for a new Crash Champions collision repair facility in Lockport Crossings but the applicant will need the city council to amend the Lockport Crossings annexation agreement before the special use and outdoor storage related approvals can be finalized.

Planning staff described the subject lot as roughly 4.5 acres at the termination of Thornton Avenue at Ninth Street within Lockport Crossings. Staff noted that the Lockport Crossings annexation agreement currently prohibits auto body repair, outdoor storage and towing; an amendment by the city council would be required before the applicant could proceed. The concept plan shows a building with customer and employee parking at the front, outdoor storage at the rear screened by a 6‑foot opaque vinyl fence on the submitted concept drawing, two loading areas, and cross access to an adjoining lot. Staff said outdoor storage must be screened 100% from public view to the height of the tallest stored vehicle and that foundation landscaping and Class 1/2 materials will be required at development plan review.

Andrew Hansen, construction project manager for Crash Champions, said the company is expanding from an existing Archer Avenue location and described the corporate prototype and building materials. "No. Outside is just for storage," Hansen said when asked whether bodywork would occur outside; he added all repair work is performed inside the building and that doors are closed during operations to support climate control and filtration. The applicant said outdoor storage would be limited to inoperable vehicles for up to 30 days and that the typical hours of operation would be weekdays 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. with limited Saturday hours, although the commission and staff noted that any such hours or operational conditions can be captured in the annexation‑agreement amendment or a development agreement.

Members of the adjacent residential neighborhood expressed opposition and concerns about noise, dust, vehicle deliveries, kids' safety and property values. Yavor Kirillov, who said he lives at 1104 Taiwan Avenue, said the proposed use would change his "living room view" and expressed worry about noise and traffic from deliveries, employees and customers. Another resident said the location would be a poor fit and raised potential property‑value impacts.

Commissioners discussed screening, fence height, and limiting visibility from Highland Avenue. Commissioner Peters said the site’s corner location and relatively low traffic generation made the use appropriate for the parcel, but noted screening and design standards should be carefully applied. Commissioner Peters moved to approve the concept plan subject to staff conditions; Commissioner Quinn seconded and the motion passed. Staff noted that the annexation‑agreement amendment will be required at the council level and that development plan review will address materials, landscaping and screening details.

The applicant said the project will create an estimated 20–25 jobs at the new facility (compared with about six at the current location) including technicians, painters and front‑office staff. The applicant estimated project construction at roughly $7 million, with projected annual revenues in the range discussed during the presentation. The commission recorded the recommendation and the item will proceed to City Council for the annexation‑agreement amendment and subsequent development approvals.