Planning commission backs Price Cleaners conditional use at 2367 S.100th; council hears neighbor questions about fence and lighting

Planning staff presented a conditional-use application for CD1 Price Cleaners at 2367 South 100th Street during the Feb. 11 public hearings. Staff said the site (about 5,700 square feet building area) will house a retail customer area plus back-of-house service, offer typical alterations and rug cleaning, and maintain a 24/7 automated kiosk accessed by PIN or QR code for customer convenience.

Planner Steve Sherwin said the business expects 8–10 employees during peak operations and that planning commission recommended approval while asking for more detailed landscaping and a lighting plan. Sherwin told the council that the proposed solvent system is “perchloroethylene free” (the presentation said no perchloroethylene) and that all solvents are self-contained and will be hauled off by a licensed waste hauler; staff also noted the operator encourages hanger recycling and biodegradable totes.

Neighbors and council members raised two recurring concerns: the height and screening of a proposed six-foot double-sided wood fence along the west property line, and the location/character of exterior lighting near a house to the west. Alderman Keane asked specifically whether the fence could be raised to seven or eight feet and requested a fully cut-off lighting plan to reduce light trespass and nuisance. Sherwin said planning staff would require a lighting plan showing shielded, downward-directed fixtures and would continue to work with the applicant on fence/landscaping details.

Ending: The planning commission recommended approval with conditions; staff will return with refined landscaping and lighting plans. Planning staff recommended restricting the use of rear/service doors during overnight hours if council wished to further limit rear access for commercial operations, but noted limited nighttime use was anticipated.