A new grassroots initiative, “No Elmhurst Truck Stop,” has emerged to challenge a developer’s proposal to construct a truck stop on the Mack Golden Pheasant restaurant property at the intersection of Route 83 and North Avenue. The group is urging the Elmhurst City Council to reject the conditional use permit request, known as Case 24 P 07, which seeks to install diesel fuel pumps and a canopy for large commercial vehicles, including semi-trailers.
Arnold Karolewski, a principal at Chuhak & Tecson and representative for a nearby property owner, expressed strong opposition to the proposal. “For all intents and purposes, the developer proposes to use the property as a truck stop, which is not permitted under the Elmhurst Zoning Ordinance,” he stated. The group is calling on the City Council to deny all zoning relief requested by the developer.
Organizers highlight several concerns regarding the potential impact on public health, safety, and the quality of life for local residents and businesses. They argue that the influx of trucks would strain Elizabeth Street, a road not designed to accommodate heavy commercial traffic.
The Illinois Department of Transportation’s 2023 daily traffic counts reveal that the Route 83 and North Avenue intersection is among the busiest in the state, a fact that residents are acutely aware of.
Environmental implications also loom large, with the proposed site located just feet from the DuPage County Forest Preserve and Salt Creek. Residents fear that a truck stop could pose significant risks to the local ecosystem.
The “No Elmhurst Truck Stop” campaign encourages community engagement through several avenues:
- Sign the Petition: Residents can support the effort by signing a petition to encourage the Elmhurst City Council to reject the proposal: Petition Link.
- Stay Informed: For additional information about the negative impacts of the proposed truck stop and updates on upcoming actions, visit www.noelmhursttruckstop.com.
- Review Official Documents: Interested individuals can find relevant documents regarding the proposal on the City of Elmhurst’s Board Documents site.
For more details about the “No Elmhurst Truck Stop” initiative, please visit http://www.NoElmhurstTruckStop.com.
Elmhurst Daily 