Planning Board recommends conditional use with conditions for used‑car sales and service at 382 North Schuyler

The Planning Board on Sept. 16 voted to recommend approval of a conditional‑use permit to allow motor vehicle sales and service at 382 North Schuyler Avenue.

Applicant Sam Shalabi said he plans to improve the building façade, move the front fence back, repave the lot and provide customer parking and a drive‑through circulation pattern. He told the board his inventory would be about 20–25 vehicles and that the business already provides auto repair services to seniors and neighbors.

Several members of the public spoke in support, citing jobs and improved services. Sasha Ruznachanko said the proposed changes would provide more inclusive service and warranties for local customers; other commenters emphasized local hiring and community benefits.

Commissioners attached several site‑specific recommendations and conditions: satisfy City of Kankakee Fire Department, Kankakee County Health Department, and Code Enforcement requirements before starting operations; do not park vehicles in the public right of way or bike lanes; replace the chain‑link fence facing North Schuyler with a 6‑foot open iron fence; provide landscaping along the north and west property lines as shown on the concept plan; and obtain sign permits and remove any nonconforming signage.

The motion to recommend approval was seconded and passed by roll call; the recommendation will go to the October 6 City Council agenda.

The board emphasized follow‑through on the recommended landscaping and fence improvements as conditions of the recommendation.