Planning commission forwards special‑use permit for car sales at 1023 Harlem Road; one commissioner opposes

The Village of Machesney Park Planning & Zoning Commission voted March 23 to forward a positive recommendation for a special‑use permit that would allow an open vehicle sales lot at 1023 Harlem Road, subject to the village’s usual conditions on screening, signage and the prohibition on inoperable vehicles remaining on site longer than seven days.

Staff said the site — previously granted a similar permit in 2020 for a different tenant — proposes a site plan consistent with the earlier approval and would allow up to 15 vehicles to be displayed for sale. Staff recommended approval with conditions already listed in village code, including screening between the commercial use and adjacent residential properties and rules to prevent the site from resembling a storage yard.

Two applicants sworn for the record identified themselves (one as Carrie Alexander, with an address recorded) and described their operation as a small family‑owned repair business that does not expect to display 15 cars immediately but wanted the option to augment repair work with limited retail sales. The applicants told commissioners they had completed required state steps and already installed a chain‑link fence behind the lot to provide residential screening.

During roll call on the motion to forward the special‑use permit, most commissioners voted yes; Commissioner Fluger recorded a no vote and Commissioner Henkins was absent. The commission’s recommendation will be considered by the planning and economic development committee on April 6.

If approved by committee and the village board, the use will be subject to permit conditions spelled out in village code and any site‑specific conditions imposed through the committee or board review process.