Commission approves Quick Run gas mart at 151st & Archer with conditions after resident objections

The Lockport Plan and Zoning Commission approved final development plans and a special use permit for a Quick Run gas mart on a 1.8‑acre parcel at the northeast corner of 151st Street and Archer Avenue on Nov. 12. Commissioners approved the project by roll call after public comment raised safety, lighting and groundwater concerns and the applicant agreed to conditions and required permitting.

Staff presentation: Staff said the parcel is zoned C‑3 (Highway Commercial), currently vacant, and that Section 156 of the zoning code pre‑identifies the location as viable for a service station. The proposal calls for a convenience store with fuel pumps, 20 parking spaces (one ADA), a detention basin for stormwater, building materials including black brick with stone accents, monument signage and a fully landscaped transitional yard; staff noted the plan exceeds required tree counts in the transitional yard.

Resident concerns: Nearby residents asked for an independent traffic analysis of turning movements and queuing, photometric plans to limit spillover light, and limits on hours and noisy equipment. One resident, Steven Poteet, who lives directly across Archer Avenue, said his private drinking well is about 120 feet from the proposed pumps and requested a hydrogeologic study, monitoring wells, secondary containment and a drainage plan to prevent runoff toward his well. Another neighbor said ingress/egress is close to their driveway and asked for a physical island and restricted turning geometry.

City and applicant response: City staff and the city consultant said a traffic study had been prepared and the applicant remains in permitting with IDOT for Archer Avenue access; IDOT approval and any IEPA reviews will be required as conditions of approval. Staff confirmed the project as presented does not include a car wash or vacuum equipment; photometric plans call for 0 foot‑candles at the property line, and the city can require house‑side shields to limit spill. Applicant stated proposed hours of operation of 5:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Decision: Commissioners voted to approve the final development plans and the special use permit, with conditions including completion of required agency permits and the city’s standard engineering conditions. The vote was recorded by roll call and the motion passed.

Next steps: Approval is subject to IDOT/IEPA and other required permits and to conditions noted in staff’s recommended motion. If those permits are not obtained, the project may not proceed to construction.