UPDATED: Bus Terminal Gains PZC Special Use Permit Approval

Planning and zoning commission members made the decision last night to re-open the public hearing items from May’s regular meeting.

Attorney Julie Tappendorf said “there had been question whether the evidence that was going to be submitted had been reviewed and individuals had the opportunity to respond to [evidence].”

Tappendorf explained the reopened hearings were to be considered a continuation of last month’s discussion. Speakers were allowed to make comments on and question new evidence.

In the case of Westway Coach’s request to and dispatch center from 4951 Indiana Ave., new evidence included a traffic study conducted the morning of June 7 and a chart of bus departure times for the 61 buses in the fleet.

There was objection, however, from a local business owner who claims the commission did not properly notice the re-opening of public hearing.

“We needed to have that in order for all the people who weren’t here tonight could actually be here,” said Brian McClure, of McClure & Associates Insurance.

He said he could not be present for the May meeting, and had another resident speak on his behalf.

McClure also alleged that his proxy at May’s meeting, resident MaryLynn Zajdel, was not given the opportunity to cross-examine petitioners, and the traffic study conducted was ‘flawed’ because it didn’t account for students traveling to nearby LSHS, Benet Academy and Benedictine University.

McClure asked to cross-examine the employee who performed the traffic survey. Community development director said the employee was not present at the meeting.

When McClure attempted to raise questions about inconsistencies he found in Westway's applications to the commission and Woodridge School District 68, Chairman Charles Rego asked McClure to limit his oral presentation to the new evidence.

McClure referenced a written statement of intention to pursue legal action, saying at one point, “If I have to go to DuPage, I will.”

“The record speaks for itself,” responded Rego to accusations that public hearing hadn’t been properly conducted.

At last month’s meeting, a handful of residents and business owners expressed concern that the buses would impact traffic at peak hours, and possibly present a safety hazard to a nearby daycare center.

Commissioners asked Westway Coach representatives to provide a clearer picture of how and when buses would filter to and from the parking lot.

Petitioners submitted a chart of the fleet’s projected departure times, which would have buses departing at three points (Indiana to Ogden, Yender to Ogden, Burlington to Yackley) and returning down Indiana Avenue. The chart indicates three to five buses leaving approximately five minutes apart from 5- 7 a.m. Eight spare buses will remain on site.

The village commissioned a traffic study to examine current traffic, and staff determined the added buses would have minimal impact on morning commutes.

“In most cases we wouldn’t have actually put together numbers, but based on discussion... we felt it was appropriate to do some counts,” said community development director Tony Budzikowski. “Results were favorable for the project so we feel the results stand for themselves.”

Staff had determined the use to be consistent with I-1 industrial zoning.  In response to concerns that adjacent properties will decrease in value, staff notes indicate they believe there wouldn’t be an impact because the zoning isn’t being changed.

Commissioner Kitty Murphy asked if the exit onto Burlington Avenue could be eliminated, to address some of the concerns raised throughout public hearing. Westway representative John Benish said they could adjust the traffic flow, though it would mean more buses departing from the other two exits.

A revised chart will be required for final approval. Staff recommended the project on a list of conditions including the prohibition of more than 69 buses parked on the lot simultaneously, a five-minute time limit on idling, and proper upkeep of the parking lot.

Prior to a 5-1 vote (commissioner Ferrar abstained), commissioners tweaked the verbiage of the condition for Westway to comply with the departure schedule, assuming occasional special circumstances.

Commissioner Brad Hettich, who voted against the request, felt the village wouldn’t benefit from any tax income, that the terminal created a potential public inconvenience and addressed a vacancy problem only short term.

After speaking with a number of residents opposed to the terminal, Hettich said he was swayed against the project.

Commission Rob Getz, however, thinks there will be residual benefits for local businesses, including patronage from Westway’s commuting employees.

According to Benish, they’re still examining fueling options for the buses, which include using a local filling station, or purchasing a maintenance location with on-site filling.

The company advertised job fairs at the Indiana Avenue location as recently as June 2 for roughly 80 driving and administrative positions. Westway’s agreement with Downers Grove school districts 58 and 99, and Woodridge School District 68, begins on the first of July.

The village board will likely review the request at their June 22 meeting.