Putting codes ahead of people

I was at the June 12 meeting of the Wheeling Plan Commission when they voted to approve the building of a Gas N Wash on the corner of Old Buffalo Grove Rd. and Hintz Rd. Quite a few people got up and spoke against having this in their neighborhood. No one spoke for it.

The lot is surrounded on all four sides by residences. It is a densely populated area, not an appropriate place to build a Gas N Wash. A Gas N Wash facility belongs in a commercial area. People moved to Wheeling expecting to live in a quiet, peaceful, safe and healthy environment. If this goes in, it won't be that anymore.

The station would have nine pumps and 18 nozzles. Gasoline stations give off toxic chemicals, and I am concerned about the health and well-being of the people, especially the children, who live in the neighborhood.

After the vote was taken, I approached one of the commissioners and asked him why he voted yes when so many people spoke against. He said, "They met all the codes and this is about codes, not people."

I am betting none of the people on the commission lives, or has loved ones who live, in the area. The vote was 5 to 2.

I would like to thank the two thoughtful, dedicated gentlemen who voted "no."

Let's hope the village trustees make the people of Wheeling a priority when they vote.

Nancy Litwin

Arlington Heights

Nancy Litwin

Arlington Heights