Building owner to appeal after Palatine rejects auto repair shop

Despite having his plan to build an auto shop rejected by the Palatine village council, Ira Kosova said he is not giving up - especially because he's already spent $275,000 on it.

The council this week unanimously opposed the Palatine businessman's plan to turn his building at 646-648 E. Northwest Highway into a used auto sales and repair shop. Council members said they believed the shop would be too noisy for its neighbors.

Kosova said Wednesday he is willing to work with village officials to change his plan so it is more acceptable to the council.

"I have to laugh about it or else I would cry," he said of the rejection.

Council member Brad Helms, who represents the district where the property sits, said the proposed business would produce too much noise and be too close to residents' homes. The closest home is within 75 feet of Kosova's building.

Council members were unswayed by Kosova's offer to keep garage doors closed while work was occurring and use tools with noise suppressors.

"I don't care what type or brand you use, when you put a tool on a lug nut and hit it, it is loud," Helms said.

He also noted that in the event that Kosova sold his business, it would be difficult for the village to force the new owners to shut the doors just because they had an agreement with Kosova.

"If those doors were out to Northwest Highway I would think twice about it," Helms said, before adding that he doesn't envision the property being suited for an auto repair use.

Helms said he feels bad for Kosova, but added that he took the risk of buying the building without approval for his business.

"Village staff said they weren't recommending this, which is a big red flag," Helms said. "Why would you take that type of risk?"

Kosova has 30 days to appeal the council's decision.

"This building has been vacant for close to 5½ years. I'm sure the village wants it turned into something that makes tax dollars." Kosova said. "I just have to find a way to work some kind of compromise. Maybe not with Brad, but with the rest of the village council."