BF Tire Service on Broadway wants permit from Joliet to handle big trucks

Owners of car service shop on Broadway Street that dates back to the 1930s are looking for approval to handle tires and repairs for semitrailer cabs and box trucks.

The Joliet Zoning Board of Appeals on Thursday will consider a zoning variation and special use permit needed before the shop at the corner of Hutchins Street can service larger trucks.

The building, which previously operated as Martinson Tire Service and now is BF Tire Service, was used as a gas station in the 1930s.

“It’s one of the oldest filling stations in town,” said city Planner Jim Torri.

At staff report on the property at 1101 N. Broadway describes its history and states staff has “several concerns about servicing tractor cabs and light trucks at this location given that the site was designed for a 1930s automobile service and gas station.”

The property is listed in the 1930 city directory as the Northern Indiana Petroleum Company. In 1950, it was Quigs Super Service Station. In the early 1980s it was acquired by the Martinson Tire Service, which operated there until early 2020.

The new owners have made improvements on two buildings on the site, paved parts of the lot, and cleared away debris, the staff report states.

Their plan, according to the report, is to service up to four trucks on a given business day and no more than two trucks at one time.

The property borders a residential area behind it, and truck traffic is banned on Hutchins Street.

Specific staff concerns mentioned in the report include the use of Hutchins for access to the site and parking, as well as potential safety problems if trucks need to use Hutchins and Broadway for turning maneuvers.

Staff recommends site improvements among 17 conditions that would would be attached to a zoning variation and special use permit if it is approved.

The proposal will go to the City Council for a vote after the zoning board makes its recommendation.