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Hawthorn Woods residents share concern over plan for gas station, homes

Hawthorn Woods resident Rini Datta's name was spelled incorrectly in earlier versions of this story.

Some residents expressed their disapproval Tuesday night over plans for a gas station, car wash and homes at Route 22 and Quentin Road in Hawthorn Woods.

About 50 people brought their concerns about the idea for the busy intersection's northeast corner to the Hawthorn Woods planning, building and zoning commission. Many who oppose the plan are from the Hawthorn Trails subdivision, just north of where the development would be constructed.

Foxford Communities wants 39 single-family homes, the gas station and car wash for what would be the third phase of the Hawthorn Trails subdivision.

Attorney Thomas Burney acknowledged the residents are opposed to gasoline station and car wash pegged for four acres at Quentin and Route 22 but said it would become an asset to the area.

"I know it's controversial, but in terms of its (property) size, there isn't a better sales-tax-producer use than a gasoline station," Burney said.

In an online petition that's gained at least 195 signatures, the objecting residents contend the proposed gas station and car wash have the potential to contaminate groundwater and are concerned about the development being close to a playground.

Some of those concerns were relayed in person to the planning, building and zoning commission Tuesday evening.

Among the speakers was Hawthorn Woods resident Rini Datta, who said the development only would worsen traffic at Route 22 and Quentin Road - an intersection that is frequently bottlenecked.

"We want to know how this proposed construction will help us as taxpayers here," Datta said.

In 2010, an unsuccessful attempt was made by some Hawthorn Woods residents to derail what at the time was the village's forced annexation of 72 acres northeast of Route 22 and Quentin, the area in question for the 39 houses, car wash and gas station.

An agreement allowed for about 15 acres to be commercialized if a developer presented a feasible plan within 20 years.

Resident Andrew Farhat said village officials indicated six years ago high intensity uses, such as a gas station, would not be allowed on the northeast corner of Quentin and Route 22.

"Why are we even talking about a gas station here?" Farhat asked.

Planning, building and zoning commissioners will forward a recommendation on the proposal to the Hawthorn Woods village board, which will have the final say on it.

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