Pingree Grove approves Freight Union expansion, consolidates six business-park lots

The Pingree Grove Village Board on Jan. 21, 2025 approved an amendment to the special‑use permit and final planned‑unit development for Freight Union Inc. and separately approved a resolution to consolidate six lots (13–18) in the Pingree Grove Business Park into a single parcel.

Why it matters: The approvals clear the way for Freight Union to expand its footprint in the Bell Harris Business Park and were described by staff as necessary after the company’s growth made the original 2022 plans insufficient. Board discussion noted the project will bring jobs to the area and that the developer increased landscaping and screening to reduce visual impacts from Route 20.

Key facts: The original PUD and special use were approved in 2022. Staff said the developer had purchased the remaining parcels needed for the larger plan and that a revised landscaping plan had been added to screen truck parking from Route 20. Board members asked whether truck parking would be visible from Route 20 and were told the configuration had not changed from the original approval and that landscape buffering had been increased. During discussion a board member stated the project would bring about 50 jobs to the area.

What the board decided: The board accepted the Planning & Zoning Commission recommendation and approved the PUD amendment and the plat consolidation by roll call; no votes against or abstentions were recorded.

Next steps: Planning staff will record the consolidation with the county and coordinate permit and building‑inspection steps with the developer.