Commission OKs Algonquin CarMax Despite Residents Opposition

ALGONQUIN, IL – Dozens of opponents to a proposed CarMax near a residential neighborhood in Algonquin made their voices heard during a Planning and Zoning Commission. But despite their concerns over the nation's largest used-car dealership moving into the former Durolife building at 2401 N. Huntington Drive, commissioners ultimately approved CarMax's proposal. CarMax is looking to invest $11 million in order to revamp the building and bring a satellite CarMax, which would be smaller than other area dealerships, to Algonquin–a town that CarMax representatives say has the ideal customer base in and around it to drive sales, the Northwest Herald reports.

The company plans to hire 15 to 20 associates to work at the new CarMax, according to the Northwest Herald. Those living near the proposed site say light pollution, noise, reckless test drivers and unattractive landscaping are the reasons why the village of Algonquin should reject the used-car dealership.

But CarMax officials said they do not plan to reverse course and believe area residents will eventually get on board with their plans, the Northwest Herald reports. And village officials say they are working to try and make everyone happy but would need to weigh the costs versus the benefits.

So far, the benefits are winning.

“We’re trying to strike a balance between the residents that are close to it, but I think you have to look at the net overall picture and what it does for the village and the benefits it will bring the village,” Chairman James Patrician told the Northwest Herald following this week's Planning and Zoning Commission meeting. “It’s not an easy decision.”

The village board plans to vote on the CarMax proposal at a future meeting.

More via the Northwest Herald

Photo credit: The former Duro-Life Corp. building is located at the corner of Huntington Drive and Randall Road/Photo caption: GoogleMaps