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Panel clears 20-foot wall for recycling site on Rowell Avenue over staff objection
Summary
The Will County Planning and Zoning Commission approved a request to replace a cargo-container wall with a 20-foot security wall at a Rowell Avenue recycling facility despite staff recommending denial. The vote was unanimous (5–0); the applicant said the wall will improve security, lighting and surveillance and will occupy the existing wall location.
The commission considered ZC-26028, an I-1 zoning case for McDonough Street Properties LLC. Staff recommended denying a request to replace an existing cargo-container wall with a 20-foot-tall wall in the street setback, concluding the variance could alter the character of surrounding residential areas and that the request was not based on unique circumstances.
Joseph Geiger (agent) and owners George and Frank Ward were listed in staff materials; co-owner George Ward told the commission the existing cargo-container wall is deteriorated and that the new steel wall — with lighting and surveillance cameras — would reduce illegal dumping and break-ins. "We've had massive dumping on the side of it and can't — we need a nice new fence with clean area, lighting, and cameras to prevent anybody from doing that again," Ward said.
Commissioners discussed setback locations and the fact the proposed wall would be in the same footprint as the existing wall. With no public opposition present, a motion to approve the variance to allow the wall to be 20 feet tall within the street setback passed by roll call, recorded 5–0. Staff stressed the wall would need to comply with building and stormwater rules and obtain required permits during the barrier-permit process.
