Developers get preliminary go-ahead for proposed El Car Wash at Greg's Landing site; trustees press traffic and design questions

Bradford Real Estate and El Car Wash presented a conceptual design for a drive-through car wash on a 1.1–1.5 acre parcel at 1750 North Milwaukee Ave., and the Committee of the Whole gave consensus to carry the concept forward to technical review while asking the applicant to refine access, circulation and architectural treatments.

Steve Pagnotta of Bradford introduced the project team. Mitchell Harvey of Stonefield Engineering described the site plan and operational features: a 32-space stacking lane, three pay stations with license‑plate readers tied to membership accounts, heated concrete in stacking and exit areas to mitigate winter ice, an enclosed vacuum bay for year‑round interior cleaning and a bypass lane for vehicles that do not wish to use the wash. Gabe Shipman, representing El Car Wash, said the chain typically averages about 500 cars per day at comparable sites and can process up to 200 cars per hour in a 130‑foot tunnel, but staff emphasized training and operational controls to avoid on-site backups.

Trustees and staff asked detailed questions about egress and circulation relative to the adjacent Mariano's parking and Greg's Landing ring road, where several expressed concern about potential queuing into shared lots and the need for a bubble‑out or bypass to allow customers to leave if the lane becomes congested. Commissioners also requested more robust architectural treatments (color, glazing and canopy articulation) beyond the initial renderings. On noise the developer said vacuums would be enclosed in concrete and modern "noiseless" dryers would be used; Shipman said the company prioritizes landscaping and community engagement and offered to exceed village landscaping standards.

The committee's response was to encourage the applicant to advance to technical review and to return with more refined circulation details, landscaping and architectural plans; this was not a formal approval. "This was an opportunity for feedback; formal consideration will take place after technical review and a public hearing," a staff member said.

Key project figures discussed during the meeting: 32 stacking spaces; heated concrete for winter operations; enclosed vacuum bays; estimated throughput of up to 200 cars per hour; typical daily volume around 500 cars at other locations; and membership pricing in the range of $25–$35 per month for tiered packages.

Next steps: The petitioner will work with staff on technical drawings, circulation refinements and materials/landscaping choices and will return to Planning & Zoning for formal review and any required public hearings.