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Westchester Auto Sales asks village to allow EV chargers on parkway
Summary
At the March 10 Committee of the Whole meeting, Zane, owner of Westchester Auto Sales, requested the village’s "soft okay" to install three public EV chargers on a village parkway so his application can access a ComEd rebate program he says is expiring around April 1; staff said easement use and a village agreement would be needed before permits or installation.
Zane, owner of Westchester Auto Sales, told the Committee of the Whole on March 10 that he is seeking the village's support to install public electric-vehicle chargers on a parkway parcel immediately west of his dealership.
"My name is Zane and I own West Chester Auto Sales," he said, adding that the village currently has no Level 2 or Level 3 chargers and that ComEd offers a rebate program of up to $500,000 for chargers. Zane said the program's funds "are about to run out" around April 1 and that, without the village's informal support, his application and the chance to secure funding could be delayed until 2029.
Zane said he is planning "three" chargers and that the stations would be open to the public. He also said his business plans to sell about 200 EVs this year, which adds to the logistical need for local chargers.
Village staff and the presenter clarified that the parkway in question is a village easement. Staff said the village would not issue permits or allow work on village property without an agreement and recommended the dealer work with the village attorney on an access or easement arrangement. "You can always express interest, but without an agreement, it is village property," staff said.
Trustees asked practical questions about utilities under the parkway, emergency-access considerations and the expected layout. Zane said the proposed chargers would sit between parked cars so vehicles would not stick out into the roadway, and he offered to provide drawings and photographs for staff review.
The presenter noted that ComEd maintains an approved vendor list; Zane said ChargePoint would likely maintain the equipment. Staff said the village could act as a partner if the chargers are placed in a village easement and that a draft access agreement could be prepared for review.
No formal action was taken. Trustees and staff said a "soft okay" to pursue an application could be communicated, followed by attorney review and a draft agreement before any permit or physical work begins.
