‘Too many positives’: Despite residents’ concerns, Costco plan moving forward in Des Plaines

Despite concerns from some nearby residents, plans for a Costco Business Center and a Costco-branded gas station on Des Plaines’ southeast side got a tentative go-ahead from the city council Monday.

The development is proposed for 14 acres at 2200 E. Devon Ave. and 2400 E. Devon Ave. The site is within the O’Hare Lake Office Park, just west of Interstate 294.

Two office buildings on the property are being demolished to make way for the development. One of them already has come down.

Additionally, part of Peterson Lake, a 16-acre retention pond that’s just north of the proposed Costco site within the office complex, would be filled in to create land for a parking lot.

A 137,327-square-foot Costco Business Center is planned. As the name suggests, they cater to businesses and have a different inventory than regular Costco warehouse stores.

The gas station is proposed for the west side of the site. Pumps for 24 cars are planned, city documents indicate.

Several residents of Patton Drive, which is just west of the site, took to the lectern Monday night to object to the plan. All targeted the gas station, which would be nearest to their homes.

One noted the second-story windows of his home now will overlook a gas station instead of Peterson Lake if the development moves forward. Others expressed fears that gasoline fumes and car exhaust would affect their health and the health of their children.

The council members ultimately voted 6-1 in favor of amending zoning rules for the property, granting a permit for a planned development and granting zoning variations for the project that cover landscaping, fencing and other elements.

The lone dissenter was 6th Ward Alderman Mark Walsten. The property is in his ward.

While recognizing Costco is a big name in the retail industry and that a store would be good for Des Plaines, Walsten said he thinks this isn’t the right location for such an operation.

On the other side of the debate, 2nd Ward Alderman Colt Moylan touted the jobs and tax revenue Costco would bring to the city. “There are just too many positives,” he said.

Seventh Ward Alderman Patsy Smith was absent.

Final votes are needed and could be called at the council’s next meeting on Jan. 20.

If approved then, construction could take between six and eight months once the pond is modified this spring, a city spokesperson said before the meeting.