McHenry County Zoning Board backs conditional use for GLG Solutions’ outdoor truck storage but rejects 'grindings' surfacing

The McHenry County Zoning Board of Appeals recommended approval, 5–2, of a conditional-use request from GLG Solutions Inc. to allow outdoor vehicle storage at a B‑3-zoned property on Route 20 and separately approved, 6–1, a variance to permit storage of vehicles that are not owned or leased by the property owner. The board rejected, 7–0, the petitioner’s request to use asphalt grindings instead of pavement for the storage surface.

The applicant, represented by attorney Elizabeth Fichtner, asked the board to permit an area of outdoor storage as an accessory to a truck repair shop and warehouse. ‘‘Much of the public’s concern circulates around the use as of right,’’ Fichtner told the board, adding that the proposal is to operate a repair shop and parts warehouse with an ancillary outdoor storage area and that the site is already zoned B‑3. Senior planner Anna Kurtzman told the board staff’s recommendation included six conditions, notably a 10‑year expiration of the conditional use and that the development ‘‘substantially conform’’ to updated site, landscape, lighting and signage plans.

Why it matters: The board’s decision lets the owner operate a repair business on the parcel and creates a path for third‑party truck storage on the site if the County Board adopts the recommendation. Neighbors raised…