If you like mysteries in the form of Planning and Zoning Commission agendas, then Forest Park has a bit of a potboiler going.
Just why does the owner of the Crystal Car Wash on Harlem Avenue keep pulling his request for a zoning variance to install a batch of car vacuums on a plot of land adjacent to the popular car wash? For multiple months the commission has wound up canceling its meetings because Neil Rembos pulls back his ask for hearing.
This odd story has been going on over the course of years now. Rembos bought an existing car wash at 901 S. Harlem in 2017. He spent considerable time and a lot of money updating the facility into what appears to be a quite successful venture. That led him in 2021 to purchase a lot just across Lexington Street with a plan to install 14 additional car vacuum stalls.
So far, so good. Except that his residential neighbors across the alley hate car vacuums. They are noisy. They run all day and into the evening.
Turns out that, while Rembos’ newly upgraded car wash was grandfathered under existing zoning, when he pushed out across the street the new site was not grandfathered. Hence the need for zoning relief.
After no planning commission hearings were scheduled for either July or August, it is unclear if Rembos is coming back around to request a zoning change. Meanwhile there is a nice vacant lot on Harlem and relative quiet for neighbors.
Things we like
The three Proviso Township high schools started a worthy tradition this month as schools opened for a new year.
More than 150 local adults turned out on Aug. 14 to warmly and enthusiastically welcome students back to school and offer encouragement. This is a simple but powerful idea that we have seen in other schools. Good for Supt. Krish Mohip for bringing this community connection to our Proviso High Schools.
After a bad string of recent years when shouting out students with some love and support seemed like the last point of focus for a failed administration, it was gratifying to see parents, firefighters and local officials, including Mayor Rory Hoskins, lined up to tell these high schoolers that the wide community stands in support of them.
Summer is about over. And autumn is here. We know that because Garage Galleries had another happy and successful artist event in Forest Park’s best-swept garages last weekend. The Arts Alliance has built this simple event into an annual boost to the local arts community.
Meanwhile, as you know from the Halloween-bursting candy aisles at the Walgreen’s, it is already Halloween! Yep, too soon.
But it does mean the Historical Society is readying another great annual event for Forest Park. It’s time to be invaded by scarecrows.
These small, repeating events offer a civic infrastructure that makes this village special.