Auto Body Repair Shop Concept Plan Approved In Lockport

LOCKPORT, IL — Plans for an auto body repair shop moved forward at Lockport's City Council on Wednesday, with the approval of a concept plan for Crash Champions Collision Repair.

The property is located north of the Thornton Avenue and Ninth Street intersection in Lockport Crossings.

According to council documents, the original development called for residential condos and two retail centers, which never developed. The development was amended to allow office space, which allowed for the Duly Medical building.

"The medical building was the primary use within the development for the next 10 years, other lots had remained vacant until 2017," council documents state. Then, O'Reilly Auto Retail Store was approved in 2017, and Christian Brothers Auto Repair Shop was approved in 2018.

Crash Champions currently operates a facility on Archer Avenue, but has outgrown its current location.

The plans call for an auto body repair shop with outdoor storage of vehicles, and some residents expressed concerns of an "outdoor salvage yard or a junk yard," according to council documents.

The council approved the concept plan, with Alderman Darren Deskin as the sole 'no' vote. A final development plan will come in front of the council at a later date.