Megann Horstead | For the Bugle
The Joliet City Council will reconsider a proposal denying used car retailer and finance company DriveTime a special-use permit.
Officials agreed to revisit the petition at last week’s meeting, after City Manager Jim Hock received new information that a business focused on blood and plasma purchases was interested in the property at 1395 N. Larkin Ave.
“Because it’s an allowable use, there’s no city review,” he said. “They can just come in and get their permits for modification to the interior of the building.”
A number of city officials raised concerns regarding the new development, including Mayor Bob O’DeKirk.
“With DriveTime, they estimated $200,00 a year in taxes for the city,” he said. “Do we have an estimate on what this blood center would raise for the city?”
Hock said outside of property taxes, the blood and plasma center wouldn’t generate dollars for the city.
For more than two years, the former Century Tile lot has been vacant.
In June, the city received notice of the first of the two proposed business developments. Tempe, Arizona-based DriveTime intended to request a special use permit that would allow officials to review their plans for modifying the site; it was denied.
Councilwoman Jan Quillman noted a concern regarding the legitimacy of the business if it decided to set up shop on Larkin Avenue.
“It just seems to me that’s an awfully big place for blood donations,” Quillman said, noting that Heartland Blood Centers utilizes mobile trucks for donations. “I just don’t know what they would do with the rest of that building.”
Councilman Larry Hug said he’s pleased by the new revelations and the way the city may proceed in filling the vacant lot.
“If this is a real offer, let’s be clear that any objections anybody had here on the original project have to be addressed,” he said.
City officials noted that a blood center already operates in Joliet at 128 Collins St.
Councilman John Gerl said he sees reason to have caution if the blood center takes ownership.
“I’ve never had any experience with [blood donation centers], but it doesn’t sound like a good project to me,” he added.
Ultimately, the council members decided to reconsider the matter at their Aug. 2 meeting, where a vote is expected on whether the city will rescind DriveTime’s permit denial and grant the special use.
Michael Martin, an attorney representing DriveTime, told the council that operating the business using the vacant lot is still being considered as an option.
“Both parties, DriveTime and Century Tile, are interested in still pursuing the site,” he said.
O’DeKirk said it makes sense to bring the matter back before the council.
“I think it’s something we should revisit,” the mayor said. “I don’t know what the vote of the council would be, but I have no problem if we bring that back at the next meeting and have a debate about this.”