Crest Hill council grants special‑use permit to Gas & Wash amid debate over right‑turn lane

Crest Hill — The City Council on May 20 approved a special‑use permit and planned‑unit development modification that will allow upgraded interim driveway improvements for the Gas & Wash site at the northwest corner of Weber Road and Division Street.

Interim community and economic development staff presented the application on behalf of Gas & Wash R.R. Crest Hill, LLC, noting the Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval subject to conditions. The request would convert temporary driveway improvements west of the gas station into semi‑permanent, upgraded access while the balance of adjacent undeveloped property remains in agricultural use; the developer will return for additional PUD approvals when the larger parcel is developed.

City Engineer Ron Wiedemann said the relocated access point is farther from Weber Road and improves vehicle storage for left‑turning traffic. Troy, a representative of Piper Properties (owner of the adjacent property), told the council the proposed access "fits in with some of the site planning efforts" and said he expected to return for further approvals as the larger property advances.

Debate centered on whether the new plan explicitly included a dedicated right‑turn lane from Weber to Division. Alderman Nate Albert said the plan in the agenda packet does not show the right‑turn lane and stated he would vote against approval until it is depicted on the final plan. The city engineer and the developer said county approvals and prior documents include the right‑turn widening, and staff said the widening is shown as proposed pavement on submitted exhibits.

The council approved the ordinance granting the special‑use permit by roll call with one recorded 'No' vote (Alderman Albert). The ordinance was recorded in the transcript as number 1986.

Next steps: The developer will proceed under the approved PUD conditions and submit final engineering plans for the widening and other construction items; staff said the county permit for the right‑turn widening is still valid and the city will seek final civil plans before construction.