Transforming Park Ridge: The Proposed Rezoning of the VFW Hall for a New Car Wash Destination

The Park Ridge community is abuzz with news of a potential zoning change that could pave the way for a new car wash facility. The VFW Hall, located at 10 W. Higgins, is being considered for rezoning to industrial use, a move that has sparked both interest and debate among local residents and businesses. This article delves into the details of the proposed change, exploring the potential impact on the community and the factors driving this development.

Unlocking New Opportunities: The Proposed Rezoning and Its Implications

Embracing Change: The Shift from B-3 to B-2 Zoning

The Park Ridge City Council has unanimously voted to allow car washes as a Special Use in B-2 business districts, a significant shift from the previous requirement of a Special Use permit in the busier B-3 zoning districts. This change has opened the door for the Arlington Heights-based Driven Car Wash chain to explore a potential location in Park Ridge, specifically at the former VFW property on Higgins Road.

Driven's Expansion Plans: Eyeing a Park Ridge Presence

Driven Car Wash, a growing regional chain, has its sights set on expanding its footprint in the area. With existing locations in Arlington Heights, Rolling Meadows, Hickory Hills, and Des Plaines, the company is actively pursuing new opportunities, including in Buffalo Grove, Mundelein, and Oak Park. The Higgins Road property has caught the attention of Driven, and the company is interested in acquiring the site, but the sale is contingent on securing the necessary zoning approval.

Navigating the Zoning Process: Balancing Interests and Concerns

The proposed rezoning of the VFW property has not been without its challenges. Originally part of unincorporated Norwood Township, the site was annexed by Park Ridge in 2016 after the current owner, Canfield Higgins LLC, requested a zoning change to industrial use. The city council, however, expressed concerns about the potential impact of industrial use on the surrounding residential blocks to the north and west of the property.

Exploring Alternative Possibilities: The Dispensary Proposal That Never Materialized

In the recent past, the VFW property was considered as a potential location for a second Park Ridge cannabis dispensary. However, these plans never came to fruition, leaving the site's future in limbo until the current proposal for a car wash facility emerged.

Aligning with Existing Zoning: The City Planner's Perspective

City planner Claudia Hampel has acknowledged that a car wash would not be out of place in a B-2 zoning district. The rationale is that drive-thrus are already permitted by right, and car repair shops and car rentals are allowed as Special uses, making the proposed car wash a natural fit for the area.

The Path Forward: Navigating the Special Use Permit Process

While the zoning amendment has cleared the Planning & Zoning Commission without any major issues, the journey is not over for Driven Car Wash. The company will still need to apply for a Special Use permit, which will then go before the city council for final approval. Community Preservation and Development Director Drew Awsumb has indicated that the application is expected to be reviewed by the Planning & Zoning Commission in September, marking the next crucial step in the process.As the community eagerly awaits the outcome of the proposed rezoning and the potential arrival of a new car wash facility, the debate surrounding the future of the VFW property continues to unfold. This development represents a significant shift in the landscape of Park Ridge, and the city's decision-makers must carefully balance the interests of businesses, residents, and the overall vision for the community's growth and development.