Planning Board Recommends Special Use Permit for Strickland Automotive with Multiple Site Conditions

The Planning Board recommended that the Village Board grant a special use permit for Strickland Automotive at 4685 Broadway, with multiple conditions addressing site maintenance, lighting, paving and storage.

Michael Metzger of Metzger Civil Engineering and applicant Eric Strickland described the proposal as an automotive repair operation occupying the majority of an existing building on a 3/4-acre C2-zoned parcel. Metzger said they were not proposing structural changes; the application included a site layout to clarify areas used by Strickland Automotive and a co-occupant, No Limit Towing.

Staff and board members raised several site concerns: a damaged fence that needs replacement; outdoor lighting that currently affects nearby residences and must be replaced or shielded with "night-friendly" fixtures; paving the gravel back lot; and repositioning an ADA parking space so it does not block a bay door. The fire chief and code enforcement also identified tire storage next to the building as a fire-risk and asked that scrap tires be moved to a fenced corral at least 20 feet from the building. Engineering recommended oil/ water separator devices (catch basins/restrictors) for any area that will hold vehicles to limit contaminants entering the storm system.

Member Matuszak moved and Member Fedorowicz seconded the motion to recommend approval with stipulations including fence replacement, night-friendly lighting, paving of the back lot, moving the handicap parking space in front of the window rather than the door, and relocating tires to a fenced area at least 20 feet from the building. The motion passed on a unanimous roll call vote.

The applicants must address the listed stipulations in the permit application and follow up with the village on engineering details for drainage, lighting fixtures and tire storage before final Village Board action.