Libertyville: Luxury used cars sales are still used cars

Fearing it might open a door that couldn’t be closed, the Libertyville village board has put the brakes on a request to change the zoning code to allow used car sales in one of its industrial zoning districts.

That the cars would be luxurious and expensive models, such as Porsche and Lamborghini, was not the point, village officials said Tuesday in denying the request of Midwest Motors Inc., to locate in a vacant industrial building on the northwest side at Route 45 and Tempel Drive.

“We’re not trying to prevent business,” Trustee Rich Moras said during the discussion. “This is very painful for me but this one is very challenging given the law of unintended consequences and what might happen down the road.”

Ben Ripstein, who has operated for about two years out of several spaces in a Volo business park, said business has grown and he needs to expand.

The Libertyville building is close to a hotel, commuter rail lines and the tollway, which would be convenient for customers who come from out of state and elsewhere to pick up their purchases, he added.

But it is not an ordinary car sales operation, according to Ripstein and his attorney, Mark Eiden.

“This is kind of a boutique type use where the inventory is stored inside,” Eiden said, and not a typical used car lot “with banners and trinkets and lights strung between telephone poles.”

With an average sale price of $50,000 and some above $100,000 the Internet-driven business is by appointment unlike a typical used car lot where customers stroll the aisles looking for bargains.

“The product that I’m selling is a want, not a need,” said Ripstein, a 29-year old Hawthorn Woods resident and self-described entrepreneur, who also owns a business selling computer parts. “This is something completely different.”

Sales projections for this year are $6 million, he told village officials, and would provide a good source of sales tax revenue.

Because of the nature of the operation, Eiden contended, it could be located in any zoning district and not really be noticed.

Libertyville for generations has been known for its auto dealerships along Milwaukee Avenue just south of downtown. In 1995, the village created a “vehicle dealer commercial district,” as a policy to consolidate auto dealers in that area.

But used car sales are allowed only as an accessory to new vehicle sales.

Ripstein wanted to have used car sales added as a permitted use in the I1 district.

The village’s plan commission in a 5-0 vote, recommended denial of the request, in part, because it would change the character of the industrial district and be contradictory to the comprehensive plan.

Established car dealers also objected.

“It isn’t this one operation were concerned about,” said Glenn Bockwinkel owner of Acura of Libertyville. “One attracts another, attracts another.”

Bockwinkel said he was representing several other dealers that have worked together to brand themselves, and each spends about $60,000 a month on advertising.

“We’re not looking to make Libertyville a used car destination,” he said.

Eiden said the approval would not open a “Pandora’s box” and offered to work with the village in any manner possible, including going back to the plan commission.

“I can’t tell you there’s a way to change this amendment to make the board or plan commission feel comfortable,” said Mayor Terry Weppler, who did not vote.

Trustees were not swayed, voting 4-0 against.

“Changing the entire I1 district to allow this is the problem I have,” Trustee Todd Gaines said.