Former Jaguar dealership owners want to sell used cars in Palatine

Longtime owners of a Jaguar dealership that closed in Palatine early this year hope to get into the used-car business.

Tony and Fino D'Agostaro are behind a new family venture proposed for 1494 W. Northwest Hwy. at North Doe Road. Members of Palatine's advisory plan commission Tuesday night recommended approval of a special-use permit needed for the proposal.

If built, the used-car business would occupy a long-vacant building owned by the D'Agostaro family. The village council, expected to consider the plan commission's recommendation Oct. 16, will have final say on the proposal.

Fino D'Agostaro said "newer" used cars would be sold from the site if it gains final village council approval. He said his family operated the AC Imports Jaguar dealership at 1410 W. Northwest Hwy. in Palatine until ending a roughly 50-year run in January.

"It was time to get out of a new-car franchise," D'Agostaro said after Tuesday's plan commission session.

Responding to questions from commission members during the meeting, D'Agostaro said his family owns the vacant property at 1494 W. Northwest Hwy. that would be spruced up for the used-car operation with fresh asphalt, lighting and other improvements. He said vehicles would be showcased in a parking lot fronting Northwest Highway and North Doe Road.

D'Agostaro said the business might open in six to eight months if final approval is granted.

Plan commission member Eric Friedman raised concern about the D'Agostaros' business possibly having an appearance similar to some Rand Road used-car lots that have flags and other attention-seeking items near the street in an effort to lure customers.

Palatine planning and zoning department management analyst Lyn Bremanis said temporary signs would not be allowed at Northwest Highway and North Doe and that the ones seen off Rand Road are illegal.

"We do work on a complaint basis," Bremanis said, "so if things like that start occurring and the residents are complaining, it will be taken care of."

Some residents living near North Doe and Northwest Highway voiced concern about having a used-car business near them, including the possibility of declining property values. Plan commission Chairman Dennis Dwyer said the worries were understandable but commercial uses already are allowed on the 1½-acre site.