Lemont Township Supervisor Speaks Out Against Trucking Operation

Submitted by Lemont Township Supervisor Steve Rosendahl.

As the township supervisor of Lemont, I would like to inform our residents of the reasons the township has protested the application for rezoning of the J.P. McMahon property located at 16548 New Ave. in unincorporated Cook County.

We believe rezoning this property is not in the best interest of the public. A fuel tanker truck operation is currently being illegally operated on a parcel zoned for residential. The business owner is seeking to have it rezoned for industrial, which, if granted, would divide a residential area as the property is surrounded by homes.

To seek rezoning, a property owner also must show that the property is not suitable for use as residential zoning. He has failed to do this, as the land is very viable as a residential property. In fact, a 175-home development has been proposed for the land directly behind the property.

He also must show there is a need in the community for the property to be rezoned. The fuel trucker tank business is not a community-based business and there is no need in the area for it. His trucks do nothing more than depart and return to and from Lemont as they head across the Midwest region delivering petroleum products.

Finally there are unresolved environmental concerns regarding a wetland on his property. It would not be prudent to recommend rezoning in an area where the use is not compatible with the ecology.

The township also has concerns about safety, traffic and protection of its residents. To learn more about this issue, contact the township office. But more importantly, tell our Cook County Commissioner Sean Morrison (sean.morrison@cookcountyil.gov) why you are against this rezoning before they vote on Nov. 15.