March 28, 2024
McHenry County | Northwest Herald


McHenry County

McHenry residents rally against potential downtown gas station

Update: this article has been corrected to clarify that the agenda item in Wednesday's meeting regarding the gas station has been tabled until December.

A gas station in downtown McHenry wouldn't fit with the city’s atmosphere and would create traffic and congestion, a group of McHenry residents said as they held signs and rallied against the idea Saturday.

A gas station and convenience store has been proposed for 3510 and 3522 W. Elm St. The project involves the demolition of the vacant First Midwest Bank building.

Though a Planning and Zoning Commission originally had the gas station as an agenda item for its next meeting, it has been tabled until Dec. 16.

McHenry resident Nancy Lesko, who was at Saturday's rally, said the gas station will just lead to an increased traffic on an already busy corner.

In addition, she said, those rallying felt there could be a better business in the area, such as a small grocer or park.

“We’re the heart of the Fox [River], that’s what McHenry’s known for,” Lesko said. “So let’s keep our heart in our town and select the correct businesses for us.”

McHenry resident Beth Taylor said with less foot traffic and no school buses in the area because of COVID-19, she was afraid the community might not be aware of the plans for the gas station.

“Our downtown will not thrive as well if we put a big commercial building on this spot,” Taylor said.

Part of the concern is congestion, Taylor said, as a gas station means a lot of quick traffic going in and out of the area.

“Adding hundreds of cars in and out a day will make this intersection more gridlocked, make it unpleasant to dine or shop or stop at any of our businesses here, or to enjoy the Riverwalk or the Fox River area down here that McHenry has to offer,” Taylor said. “I just think we can do better, we can put a more meaningful community-minded business in place.”

Taylor said she wants to be part of the solution.

“I don’t want to just kibosh,” Taylor said. “I realize somebody’s been working hard on this, but I just think we need to step back and carefully think about the long-term effects.”

As previously reported by the Northwest Herald, city staff thought the new gas station project would help create a vibrant downtown, according to city documents, and officials believe the proposed landscaping and other features will help beautify that area of downtown.

Staff members also thought the proposed development will have a positive effect on property values and increase foot traffic after being vacant for four years, the documents show.

But some residents disagree.

“It’s going to take away from the look of the downtown area,” said Mike Lesko, of McHenry. “It’s just going to disrupt everything.”

He said he would rather have a development that fits the town and keeps it quaint.

McHenry resident Danielle Miller said the gas station would affect the city’s walkability and charm.

“The city has been doing a fantastic job developing our downtown business districts,” Miller said. “A gas station wouldn't fit the character.”

Another concern Miller has is the city’s ability to redevelop a gas station, at a time when they are becoming less needed because of electric cars and increased telecommuting.

“As [residents] we have to be really cognizant of what we’re leaving behind us,” Miller said. “I want this area to continue to grow again, someday when I’m gone. I want this to still be a vibrant downtown.”

Carol Cooney, also of McHenry, said she wishes the city would give more loyalty to spaces already in the area.

As an environmentalist, she also has concerns about the effects of a gas station on the local environment.

“We need housing more than we need another gas station,” Cooney said, adding that she sees people walking around, without a place to go. “I think it could be renovated into a housing unit.”