Commission approves subdivision for Ernie's Towing site at 909 S. Milwaukee Ave.

The Planning and Zoning Commission voted Tuesday to recommend approval of a preliminary and final plat that subdivides the parcel at 909 South Milwaukee Avenue into two lots, preserving an established truck-parking use on the southern 1.65-acre parcel.

Jeff Olm of Premier Realty Group presented the proposal on behalf of the owner and introduced Ernie Volley of Ernie's Towing and Record Service. Olm said the family-owned tow and vehicle-storage business has used the southern portion of the site for truck parking for decades and that the subdivision would create a separate 1.7-acre lot while preserving that nonconforming but lawfully established use.

Staff confirmed the truck-parking area is a lawful nonconforming use in the B-1 district and explained that modification of that use (adding repair operations, for example) would require additional approvals. Commissioners and the applicant discussed site access, the condition of the truck area (grindings and gravel), and the need for a corrected plat legend: staff noted the submitted plat incorrectly referenced the Condominium Property Act and common elements and must be revised before recording.

Commissioner Cotton recused from the item for personal reasons. With that recusal noted on the record, the commission recorded a roll-call recommendation in favor of the plat and required that the applicant work with the village engineer and attorney to correct the plat legend and any technical matters before final recording.

The motion passed by roll-call; staff will coordinate next steps with the applicant and village engineering and legal staff.