Former Brunswick Zone site in Algonquin could see new development

A long-vacant lot in Algonquin, which formerly housed the Brunswick Zone, potentially could be home to a self-storage facility, Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen and car wash.

A developer is looking to put a climate-controlled self-storage facility in the existing former bowling alley building at 2075 E. Algonquin Road. The rest of the 5.31-acre parcel would be divided into two lots, with one part for the new car wash and another for the Popeyes, which would include a drive-thru.

Algonquin trustees initially had reservations about the development, which they voiced during a previous Committee of the Whole meeting. Since then, developer Steve Schwartz made changes to the original plans, which were presented at the committee’s most recent meeting.

Ben Mason, senior planner for the village, said these changes included “notably reducing” the number of signs, making the vacuums and hoses for the car wash black instead of red, and making enhancements to the outdoor storage yard that’s proposed adjacent to the bowling alley building. Responding to trustees’ security concerns, the developer has committed to installing security cameras to monitor the outdoor storage area and will allow village property maintenance staff access to perform inspections, according to village documents.

After some discussion by committee members, it was decided that the car wash owner would not need to change the vacuum and hose colors. Village President John Schmitt did ask, however, that the bright-white background originally planned for the storage facility sign be made a more muted tone.

Trustees said they were happy with the changes made to the site plan so far, and that they appreciated that Schwartz made them.

“I’ve never seen so much detailed work in a plan, [with] building, signage, layout,” Trustee Jerry Glogowski said.

However, committee members had concerns about the outdoor storage being proposed for the self-storage facility, such as what vehicles would be allowed there and whose responsibility cleanup for any spills at the site would be.

Schwartz said what he expects to see in terms of vehicles being stored would be ones in “good condition,” with some Amazon-type delivery trucks or contractor trucks, recreational vehicles and boats.

Trustee John Spella pointed out that the last time the Village Board heard about the possibility of outdoor storage for a nearby storage facility, they did not allow it. Spella added that he does not want to open up a “can of worms” by allowing it in this case.

“It’s the principle of it,” he said.

The committee ultimately decided to push the development proposal forward; however, trustees said they wanted restrictions made on the outdoor storage.

The development will be heard and voted on by the Village Board at Tuesday’s meeting.

Village manager Tim Schloneger said the village will meet with the developer to see what restrictions for the outdoor storage could be made, such as determining tighter restrictions on the types of vehicles that may be stored.

If the development were to be approved at the meeting, the developer still would have to apply for permits and work through the next part of the development process with village staff, Schloneger added.

However, according to village documents, the existing miniature golf and batting cages on the property will be demolished by July 1, 2020, regardless of when work starts on the proposed development.