John Bays: 'High-End' Car Dealership For Republic Ave. In Joliet

JOLIET, IL — John Bays has approached the city of Joliet with plans to use the car wash property at 77 Republic Avenue to open Bays Motors. The project will go before the city of Joliet's zoning board next week, on Thursday, April 18. John Bays needs a special use permit from Joliet's elected officials to make his business proposition a reality.

The Motor Mat Car Wash would go away if Joliet approves the special use permit for Bays, according to a city memo. The special use permit, if approved, would allow for a used auto sales at the existing car wash building at 77 Republic Avenue.

"The petitioner has stated that only high-end vehicles would be sold at the subject property and that all vehicles will be kept inside the main building, apart from temporarily showcasing certain cars east of the main building along the Republic Avenue frontage," city of Joliet documents note.

The auto sales use would require a maximum of four employees and would operate between the hours of 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Fridays.

Minor service operations such as tire changes and oil changes would still be done at the property, but only for vehicles purchased from the petitioner. Major repair work will be sent out to other repair dealers in the area, city of Joliet reports show.