Commission recommends gas station redevelopment for 8639/8645 Cermak despite neighborhood health concerns

After a staff presentation and applicants’ technical materials, the North Riverside Joint Planning Commission voted to recommend approval of linked rezoning and conditional‑use applications for parcels at 8639 and 8645 Cermak Road to allow a new gas station and convenience store.

Staff described the site as six parcels totaling roughly 17,000 square feet and noted a long history of automotive uses and a former gas station on the site. The staff report summarized proposed project features including an updated building envelope, eight pump islands, diesel and unleaded fuel, an EV charging station, outdoor seating and landscaping buffers. Staff also flagged an outstanding environmental question: Phase II remediation records were not on file, and the village will rely on EPA/state oversight for soil testing and remediation. The packet included a traffic study and a set of recommended conditions addressing fencing, landscaping, lighting limits and a required lot consolidation survey.

During public comment Gabriela Gonzales, a neighbor whose backyard abuts the site, urged denial. "There is no public necessity here, which is the legal requirement for Conditional Use Permit," she said, adding that her property line is "less than 20 feet" from the proposed development and pointing to studies she said link living near gas stations to higher cancer rates. Commissioners probed hours of operation, with an applicant representative confirming the preference for 24‑hour operation if business justifies it; staff said the village’s business‑licensing and liquor rules govern specific hour or alcohol limitations and that further research would be added to the staff report.

Commissioners asked about soil testing and remediation; staff said Phase II testing and any required remediation would be addressed through environmental regulators and noted the application included a proposed construction regimen that would excavate contaminated soils as needed. Commissioners also requested that staff compile resident comments, the traffic study details (including off‑peak trip counts) and the hours/licensing rules for the elected body to review.

After deliberation the commission recorded two votes: a procedural motion to rezone the principal parcel (final vote recorded 6–0) and a separate motion recommending approval of the conditional‑use permit (6–0). Both items will be forwarded to the village board for final action; staff said the board date will be determined after the commission’s packet is finalized and may appear mid‑June. The commission attached a request that staff look further into operating hours, lighting shields and remediation steps for the elected body’s consideration.