McHenry residents concerned over possible gas station, convenience store

A new gas station and convenience store project that would replace the First Midwest Bank in downtown McHenry recently was approved by the city’s Planning and Zoning Commission.

Along with downtown’s first gas station and convenience store, to be built at 3510 and 3522 W. Elm St., the owners also will operate a convenience store with a taco bar self-service area. The project involves the demolition of the vacant First Midwest Bank building and the small gas station.

More than 60 residents joined the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting June 17 to state their disapproval, but staff voted, 4-3, to move forward with the project and present it to the City Council. The move brought many concerns for residents who claimed the building has historical significance.

Mayor Wayne Jett and city planner Cody Sheriff spoke with residents regarding their concerns. Sheriff told residents the building has no historical significance.

“I think people were confused by the meaning of historic,” he said. “I think they’re confusing historical significance with unique architectural features.”

Many residents also had the “misconception,” that the city can control what proposals are presented to the Planning and Zoning Commission, Sheriff added.

“I addressed those concerns, saying that the city does not have control over that. They have a right to be heard. And what is proposed,” he said.

Another misconception among residents was that the city owns the property, which it does not, Sheriff said.

Residents also thought the space should go to the library or a civic center. With the property’s scant parking availability, Sheriff said requirements for those types of large projects would not be met.

Although there may be no historical significance, residents do feel an emotional attachment to the building.

“A large amount of people also expressed there’s a lot of emotional attachment to the building itself. I mean, growing up in the city of McHenry, when you go over to the downtown, you kind of think of that building almost as like an anchor of downtown,” he said.

Others also said a new gas station would spoil the downtown aesthetic.

“[Residents] addressed that some of their concerns were kind of the look and feel of having a gas station in the downtown. Aesthetically, they thought it wouldn’t be as pleasing,” Sheriff said.

Contrary to residents’ beliefs, staff found the new gas station project would help create a vibrant downtown, according to city documents. Officials believe the proposed landscaping and other features will help beautify that area of downtown.

The applicants of the project are installing a variety of landscaping along Green Street, West Elm Street and Richmond Road. The exterior façade is composed of crimson and canyon-style brick parapet wall, compliant with downtown design guidelines, according to the city documents.

Staff members also believe the proposed development will have a positive effect on property values and increase foot traffic after being vacant for four years.