Dealership tweaks plan to appease neighbors

Hinsdale trustees signaled their support for proposed changes to the site plan and exterior appearance of the new Bill Jacobs Jaguar and Land Rover dealership being constructed at 336 E. Ogden Ave., prompted by noise and light pollution concerns among adjacent residents.

The changes to the prior plan, discussed during the board’s first read Tuesday, include relocating the west section of the eight-foot fence further north and the south section of the fence parallel to Franklin Street further east. The extent of tree removals related to the south section fence relocation will be minimized. The dealership will eliminate one parking space and will also move a planned light pole eastward to the southwest corner site.

The original ordinance for the project was approved in February 2018, with a subsequent ordinance passed the following November to permit a Jaguar dealership in tandem with the Land Rover business.

Resident Nick Skokna of 808 N. Oak inquired if the planned fence would now be closer to his house. He was told that it would not.

“The only change was to the (Franklin Street) cul de sac and the eastern wall. The remainder of the fence is exactly as it always has been,” Village President Tom Cauley said.

Skokna also received reassurance that a light near his home would be adjusted.

“I want to make sure that we stick to the game plan,” he commented.

A landscaping plan still needs to be agreed to by both the dealership and the neighbors. It should be ready for final approval of the plan at the board’s Nov. 5 meeting.