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Commission recommends vacating part of Gladstone Avenue to formalize Fan Steel fence and parking
Summary
The commission recommended city council vacate a roughly 7,000‑sq‑ft portion of Gladstone Avenue adjacent to 1421 Glenrock to regularize an existing fence and parking used by Fan Steel; staff said an easement will preserve utility access and the vacation is tied to upcoming fence variances.
The Waukegan Planning and Zoning Commission on Nov. 13 voted to recommend city council approve a right‑of‑way vacation for a portion of Gladstone Avenue adjacent to 1421 Glenrock Avenue, a request tied to an existing fence and parking arrangement used by Fan Steel.
Planner Sam Lapine told the commission the proposed vacation covers about 7,000 square feet — roughly 370 feet of roadway and about 20 feet deep — and that utilities (storm, water, sewer) run under and near the area. "For that reason, we have included a utility easement on the plan of vacation so that the city can access for repair and replacement as needed," Lapine said.
Donna Pugh, attorney for the applicant, and Tony Lockett of Fan Steel told the commission Fan Steel purchased nearby houses, demolished them in 2023–24, and put a security/delivery fence in during the COVID period. Lockett said the fence serves as the company’s delivery entrance and that parking is tight during active construction and operations: "This fence has been up since, '20 I wanna say February, March '20," he said, and rejected the suggestion the company used the fence knowing it sat on city right‑of‑way.
Staff told commissioners the vacation is needed so the fence variances planned for December will be able to pass. Lapine noted that if council denies the vacation the fence would have to be removed; approval would transfer ownership to the applicant and place the property on the tax rolls.
Commissioner (10) moved to accept the findings of fact and recommend city council approve the vacation (V‑02/25) with the conditions in the staff report. The motion passed by roll call. The recommendation will be considered by the city council on Dec. 1.
