New Lenox trustees OK revised gas station plans

Business wins approval after dropping diesel fuel stations at former motel site

New Lenox trustees Monday voted to annex about 4 acres of property at the site of the former Walona Motel and approved a scaled back Gas N Wash gas station, though without diesel fueling stations for trucks.

The gas station, planned for the southeast corner of Route 30 and Walona Avenue, sparked criticism from neighbors.

Village officials said video gaming stations initially proposed by Gas N Wash owner Len McEnery also likely will not be included as, without the diesel fueling stations, the gas station can no longer be considered a truck stop, and therefore eligible for a video gaming license.

The approved plans also include a 30-foot landscape buffer with a berm along the south property line between the gas station and neighboring residents. McEnery would be open to installing an 8-foot fence, rather than a 6-foot fence as allowed by village code, to add an additional buffer, one of his attorneys said.

“I’m more comfortable with it now,” Trustee Annette Bowden said.

The three residents who spoke Monday said they remain concerned about increased noise and traffic in their neighborhood. They said making a left turn onto Route 30 from Walona Avenue already is difficult and that they feared a gas station would make traffic worse.

The proposed gas station includes a right-in, rightout access off of Route 30. Those wishing to make left turns will have to use Walona Avenue. Village officials said the updated plans include dedicated right- and left-turn lanes on Walona Avenue.

Mayor Tim Baldermann described the updated plan as a compromise and said the developer addressed many of residents’ concerns.

“If, in fact this is approved, and you’re not happy, I’m sure you’re at least happier than what it was initially proposed to be,” Baldermann said moments before the village board vote.

He listed the various changes to and said the developer had worked to address concerns.

McEnery also would continue with neighbors.

“If we haven’t addressed the issue we’re not going anywhere, we’ll work down the road to address any issues that may come up,” McEnery said. said he to work