Gurnee approves vehicle recycling operation

After whiffing on its first attempt to gain Gurnee village board approval for a vehicle recycling operation, Auto Parts City smacked one out of the ballpark on its second swing.

Gurnee trustees late Monday voted 6-0 in favor of allowing Auto Parts City to build the facility on nearly 16 acres at 3535 Washington St. The operation will be near Route 41 and border a manufactured home complex in neighboring Park City.

Village board members first rejected Auto Parts City by 3-3 vote in April. Company representatives slightly tweaked the vehicle recycling operation plan before gaining the OK the second time around.

Some Park City residents living in the trailer homes spoke against the proposal, in part citing concerns about noise and safety.

However, Auto Parts City real estate consultant Mitchell Miller and other proponents pointed out how vehicle recycling is common in Europe. They contend auto recycling substantially reduces energy and material requirements and cuts greenhouse gas emissions from the manufacturing of new materials.