Auto body shop meets resistance in Antioch

A group of Antioch residents are revved up over a proposal to open an auto body shop in their neighborhood.

Thirty-six homeowners in the Antioch Hills subdivision have signed a petition opposing Central Auto Body's request to rezone a parcel of land at the northwest corner of Route 83 and Briar Terrace.

Carolyn VanPatten, vice president of the Antioch Hills property owners association, said she and her neighbors understand a business will likely occupy the vacant Jungle Gym Site building again, she just doesn't want to see the zoning changed for it.

"It is hard to understand why the village would change their codes for one person that isn't even a local Antioch business," VanPatten said. "There are three auto bodies already located in Antioch."

Central Auto Body has been in existence for 22 years and has locations in Zion, Grayslake, Waukegan and Crystal Lake.

Owner Steve Strezo said the location, community and marketplace in Antioch are perfect for the business.

"We've opened our plans and our checkbook to the village," Strezo said. "Whatever they ask us to do, we will do it."

The village board heard the shop's request Monday and pleas from about a dozen homeowners, but couldn't reach a consensus.

"For you this is just a bump in the road," said Richard Martin of 23633 W. Park Terrace. "For us, this is a quality-of-life issue."

The property's current zoning allows for limited retail business. The proposed zoning would change that to a service and wholesale business district.

The matter was sent back to the village board's planning and zoning committee, where members will discuss it next week.

Dustin Nilsen, Antioch's director of planning and zoning, said he supports the rezoning as long as the business follows several land-use restrictions and makes landscape and architectural improvements.

If approved, the shop would be open from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday.

Strezo said they don't plan on demolishing the former Jungle Gym Site building that is on the property, but would add on and revamp the exterior and landscaping.

"Once somebody sees our plans, they will understand it is advantageous for us to be there between the revenue we will generate for the village and the beautification of the facility," he said.