Palatine says no to repair shop move

Amid concerns about noise, exhaust fumes and the potential for plunging property values, Palatine officials on Monday unanimously voted down a proposal to relocate a car repair shop.

Car Wonders, currently located at 1430 N. Rand Road, would have moved a few blocks north to 1742 N. Rand Road, but an outcry from neighboring residents and a heating and cooling shop owner swayed a council that lauds itself for being pro-business.

"I don't know if this is the best place for your business because of how it'll impact those folks behind you," Councilman Brad Helms told Car Wonders owner Vladimir Kheifets. "We want to help you expand business, but we want to protect our residents."

The most contentious issue was the placement of garage doors. Kheifets met with residents and subsequently moved them from the back of the building, which backs up to homes on Lynda Drive, to the side. But officials and neighbors wanted them in front facing Rand Road, which Kheifets said wasn't possible without eliminating an office and waiting room.

Kheifets, who said the bigger facility would allow him to expand the business from two to four employees and from two to four service bays, also couldn't guarantee the doors would remain closed during the summer due to heat.

"We've been here 35 years. This is our dream home and we want to stay here," Donna Bochat said. "To have car repair noise ... would be horrific."

Kheifets' proposal to install "sound deadening" walls, landscaping and a gate intended to bounce noise from the pneumatic tools forward to Rand Road also didn't placate anyone.

About a dozen residents appeared at the village council meeting to voice their opposition, and a petition with about 15 signatures was presented.

The building at 1742 N. Rand Road currently houses storage for Rand Plumbing, which has relocated its operation.