Residents press DuPage County, board over idling trucks and chemical runoff at nearby lot

Residents of an east-side neighborhood told the board on May 7 that a lot near 22 West 736 (described by speakers as a truck-depot/parking area) has operated for years as a trucking staging and cleaning area, generating noise, engine idling, chemical use and visible oil stains.

Trustee Siddiqui described multiple resident complaints and said the issue has persisted for “four or five years,” with trucks idling for extended periods, truck-cleaning chemicals used on-site, and tires and other debris visible from neighboring yards. She said she and neighbors have submitted videos and emails to DuPage County Community Development and copied village staff but have seen little lasting enforcement.

Village Administrator Doug Flint said the lot is under DuPage County jurisdiction; county Community Development has cited the property and pursued adjudication but the village has not seen consistent follow-up. Flint noted the village has contacted county board members and will continue to press for enforcement; he also said the village has performed environmental testing around the site and, to date, results have not shown EPA-level violations.

Marietta Britt recounted a prior case (the Graver property) where the county’s lack of enforcement led the village to incorporate the property to secure control; board members said annexation is not currently possible for the parcel in question and committed to ongoing advocacy and monthly updates on the county response.

What residents want: direct enforcement action, air/water testing where unaddressed pollution is suspected, and a durable solution to stop repeated activity that disturbs neighbors.

What the village will do: Flint and trustees said they will continue to press DuPage County officials, request status updates to report at board meetings, and explore options should the property become available for municipal action in the future.

Quotes from the meeting:
- "This area is kind of like a dump area where a lot of trucks are there... they are bringing some chemical to clean their big trucks," Trustee Siddiqui said during public comment.
- "We have had DuPage County Community Development cite them many times... Getting them to enforce it has been difficult," Doug Flint said.

Next steps: Village staff will keep the item on the agenda for regular updates and seek a meeting with county board representatives and DuPage Community Development to escalate enforcement.