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Elk Grove asks Cook County to ban taller fences at unincorporated truck lot

Elk Grove Village officials have objected to a truck repair company's plans to install taller fences around unincorporated property it rents on the village's border.

GISS, Inc., which operates a truck and trailer repair facility at 2500 E. Higgins Road, is renting a truck lot across the street at 2545 E. Higgins Road and 2545 Landmeier Road.

The rented 2.5-acre lot is enclosed by fencing, but the truck firm has sought permission to install new fences as high as 8 feet, which would be above the 3-foot heights allowed on two sides and 6-foot heights allowed on the other two sides, under Cook County's zoning restrictions.

The unincorporated property abuts Elk Grove Village on the west, south and east sides, and was part of the 58 acres the village tried to forcibly annex in 2018. But a February 2019 lawsuit filed by developer Mario Gullo, who owns a number of neighboring properties on Higgins Road, has put the annexation on hold.

A resolution opposing the requested height variances was approved unanimously on the Elk Grove Village board's consent agenda Tuesday night. The objection will be forwarded to the Cook County Board of Commissioners, who are scheduled to vote in late March on whether to allow the taller fences.

The county zoning board of appeals on Feb. 5 recommended approval, with three votes in favor, one abstention and one member absent.

Mayor Craig Johnson said county officials asked Elk Grove leaders for an opinion on the matter because of the village's proximity to the lot. He says the village has weighed in about other nearby county zoning petitions over the years.

The village board resolution says since the property is similar to surrounding industrial sites, it should have to comply with current county zoning standards. Village officials also argue the business operations could lead to trucks queuing in the streets and more congestion.

"We don't think it's proper for that location," Johnson said of the taller fencing.

Ted Mason, chief of staff to county Commissioner Kevin Morrison, who represents the 15th District where the truck lot is located, said he is still collecting information about the case and plans to talk to all parties involved.

"We're looking forward to hearing more about why the village wants to object to it," Mason said.

Representatives of GISS referred comment to their attorney, who did not respond on Tuesday.

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