Hinsdale Panel Wants Strip Mall Improved

HINSDALE, IL – Hinsdale is considering allowing a car repair shop in a strip mall on South Madison Street.

The discussions during meetings have brought up a related issue – the condition of the strip mall itself.

During the process, neighbors have called for restrictions on the repair shop.

Samir and Ghada Sharabatee are asking the village to permit the opening of Hinsdale Discount Tires and Automotive at 5837 S. Madison St.

JMS Auto Service was at the site for years, but closed in 2019.

Members of the Plan Commission expressed concerns over the appearance of the vacant car repair building and the strip mall. They said the property owner had not made improvements over time and that property maintenance issues existed.

Commission members also said the strip mall needed improvements such as replacement of the rear fence, new landscaping, painting of buildings and removal of old signs.

The commission recommended approval of the repair shop, with a number of restrictions.

At a Village Board meeting last month, Village President Tom Cauley asked about the possibility of removing the old gas station canopy.

On Tuesday, the Village Board is expected to vote on the repair shop. One of the proposed conditions is the removal of the canopy.

The village is also looking to limit overnight parking of cars to 10 spaces behind the building and five spaces in the vehicle bays. Parking spaces would only be allowed to be used for cars awaiting repairs.

The company would also be required to seal coat and restripe their parking lot and repair and stain the existing fence on the property.

The neighboring Golfview Hills Homes Association has been vocal about the proposed car repair shop.