Plan commission approves exterior changes to BP at 9444 S. Chicago Road

The Oak Creek Plan Commission on Feb. 24 approved site and architectural plans to convert a rear car‑wash bay at the BP gas station at 9444 South Chicago Road into a walk‑in cooler and storage area. The commission’s approval, moved by Seapert and seconded on the floor, includes standard conditions that all relevant code requirements remain in effect and that approval expires 12 months after the date of approval if a building permit has not been issued.

Todd, the staff presenter, told commissioners the car‑wash footprint at the rear of the property would be closed off and filled with 8‑inch cinder block matching the existing building texture and color, and that the northern portion of that area will become a walk‑in cooler accessible only from inside the building while the southern portion will become storage with both internal and external access. “They’re gonna fill those in with cinder blocks, 8 inch cinder blocks that are gonna match in texture,” Todd said during his presentation.

Applicant representative Weston, speaking for Bayland Buildings and the property owners, said compressors for the refrigeration equipment will be located in an inside corner near the overhead door and will be largely tucked out of public view. “They’ll be tucked in that inside corner of the building,” Weston said, adding the equipment would not be visible from the primary approaches.

Commissioners questioned whether screening should be required for ground‑mounted equipment and asked about dumpster locations; the applicant confirmed the dumpsters are placed away from public sight lines and agreed to work with staff on screening details. The commission approved the motion by roll call and forwarded the site plan with the stated conditions.

The approval is for site and architectural elements only; any required building permits and final inspections must still be obtained before work begins.