Des Plaines gives go-ahead to Costco plan

After several public discussions and a preliminary vote, plans for a Costco Business Center and a Costco-branded gas station on Des Plaines’ southeast side were approved by the city council this week.

Mayor Andrew Goczkowski lauded the proposal during Monday’s council meeting, calling it “a major investment in our city’s future.” It will generate tax revenue, bring jobs and help attract more businesses to Des Plaines, he said.

“This project is about more than opening a new store in our hometown,” Goczkowski said. “It makes another important step forward for the city.”

A 137,327-square-foot store and a 24-pump gas station are planned for 14 acres at 2200 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 already has come down.

Additionally, part of Peterson Lake, a 16-acre retention pond within the office complex, will be filled in to create land for a parking lot.

During a preliminary discussion earlier this month, several nearby residents objected to the plan, saying they didn’t want to live next to a gas station for aesthetic and health reasons. There were no comments from the public Monday.

The council voted 7-1 in favor of zoning-related aspects of the project and other elements.

The lone dissenter was 6th Ward Alderman Mark Walsten. The site is in that ward.