Roselle trustees split on JetBrite car wash access; staff directed to continue revisions

Trustees of the Village of Roselle heard a detailed presentation and lengthy public discussion on a proposed JetBrite express car wash (PZ 231113) for a two-parcel L-shaped site near Roselle Road and Nergey Road and did not take final action.

The Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously recommended approval, with conditions including a sound-abatement fence along the east property line, restrictions on vacuum-area music, and traffic controls intended to prevent left turns from the site onto Roselle Road. Community Development Manager Karen Bridal summarized the commission’s unanimous conditions and staff review; she said the plan includes annexation of an unincorporated parcel and multiple zoning variations.

Trustees focused their concerns on traffic safety and enforceability. Trustee Dela Pena said she would “vote against” allowing a left turn out of the site because she did not think it was feasible or safe. Trustee Tom (last name not specified) said limiting left turns would be “a sticking point.” Several trustees expressed doubt that temporary cones or staff directions would reliably prevent drivers from making left turns during busy periods, and public safety staff noted enforcement would be difficult because parts of the site are private property and officers have other priorities.

Representatives for the petitioner—Christian Kolashevsky of WT Group (site engineer) and David D'Alessandro, the site owner—defended the proposed traffic controls and operation plan. Kolashevsky said the County reviewed the planned access and that the petitioner is prepared to use cones and staff at peak times and to change the curb configuration if needed. D'Alessandro said JetBrite has used similar arrangements at other locations, pointed to stacking capacity on site (he said the design provides about 42 car positions compared with 15 required), and added, “we shut off that left out at every 1 of our locations on every single busy day or busy time.” He also said he owns the property and that the company would pay for whatever mitigation is required on the site.

Village staff told trustees the Cook County Department of Transportation had denied a left-in from Roselle Road but had approved a left-out in the county’s preliminary review; staff emphasized final written approvals were pending. Staff and the petitioner also referred to a Simtek sound-abatement fence product proposed for the eastern property line and to a traffic consultant memorandum submitted with the packet.

Trustees were split: some said they could support the site if stronger, enforceable access controls were added (including possible funding for enforcement or other mechanisms), while others opposed any configuration that would permit left turns onto Roselle Road. No ordinance, resolution, or other formal approval was adopted; the mayor asked staff and the petitioner to continue revising the site plan and to return with additional details. The petitioner said it would work with staff to address traffic-flow diagrams and added measures to improve safety and enforceability.

Next steps: staff will continue to work with the petitioner and bring revised access plans and any additional county approvals back to the board for formal action at a later meeting.