Storage units to expand in Oglesby

A Yorkville company wants to expand some storage space in Oglesby, turning the adjoining acres into 180 storage units.

On Monday, the Oglesby City Council gave its preliminary OK provided that Oglesby Storage LLC tweaks its site plan.

The property in question sits between Columbia and School avenues and between Florence and Porter streets.

The City Council voted 4-0 – Commissioner Terry Eutis was absent – to adopt recommendations by the Zoning Board of Appeals. The ZBA recommended that Oglesby Storage be granted a special-use permit but also opposed two variances, one governing the width of the driving lane and the other governing tree plantings.

Final action is pending, but Mayor Jason Curran said the variances pose no great obstacle to the proposed expansion.

“This business can come here [and] use it for that purpose, but what was denied today was variances specifically for their site plan,” Curran said.

“I think there’s room to be worked with,” Commissioner Tony Stefanelli said.

In other matters, the council:

• announced that personalized military banners will return in 2024. Interested residents should visit City Hall to sign up.
• placed on file a 20-year extension with the Illinois Municipal Electric Agency through 2055 but tabled a letter of support for the IMEA solar farm.
• agreed to explore and apply for numerous grant opportunities.