Gurnee truck stop plans expansion, but trustee appear cool to idea

Gurnee would become more desirable for long-haul truckers under a proposal floated to the village board this week.

Plans call for redevelopment of the Gurnee Fuel Stop on Route 41 just north of Stearns School Road. The facility features a Brown's Chicken and Pasta restaurant, fuel pumps, truck rental and a car wash.

But the truck stop would more resemble the national Flying J Travel Plaza chain if the proposal gains village board approval. Flying J typically has private shower rooms, a theater-style drivers lounge, full-service restaurant and other amenities.

Mayor Kristina Kovarik said she and other board members are not embracing the idea. Nonetheless, Gurnee Fuel Stop is expected to return to the village board seeking special approval for its plans next month.

"The big Flying J thing does not fit into our comprehensive plan," Kovarik said Wednesday.

Appearing before the village board Monday, Gurnee Fuel Stop representatives pitched the concept of a 25-space area for truckers to sleep in their rigs overnight. There also would be eight rooms for overnight accommodations, showers and a lounge.

Gurnee Fuel Stop also wants to add a 36-square-foot message board to a ground sign, bump up the number of fuel pumps to 28 and open a truck and car repair facility.

Attorney John Helander, who represents Gurnee Fuel Stop owner Thomas Chummar, has publicly stated the proposal has been in the works for more than a year. He said architects have been working with village officials to produce a quality project.

When Chummar previously had long-term parking spaces for semitrailers, Helander said, the truck stop sold about 200,000 gallons of diesel a month. Diesel sales reportedly now average 40,000 gallons monthly.

Proponents say fuel sales would rise if the facility provides the amenities that are standard for truck stops off interstate highways similar to busy Route 41.

Kovarik said while she supports local businesses, she questioned why Gurnee Fuel Stop has returned to the village board seeking special-use permits for plans not allowed under zoning regulations for its site.

Village board members in 2005 and 2006 voted against allowing the truck stop to have an electronic message board off Route 41. Kovarik also said she's declined to support a liquor license for Gurnee Fuel Stop.

"This is the third time he's come and said he can't make any money without an exemption," she said.