South Cook News

City of Oak Forest Planning & Zoning Commission met Nov. 6

Here are the minutes provided by the commission:

The Planning & Zoning Commission meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Chairman Ziak. 

Pledge of allegiance. 

PRESENT: Chairman Ziak 

Commissioner Schroeder 

Commissioner Forbes 

Commissioner Runge 

Commissioner Serna 

Staff Member Paul Ruane 

City Clerk/Executive Assistant Nicole Tormey 

ABSENT: Commissioner Ater 

Commissioner Larson 

Commissioner Kunz

Chairman Ziak asked for a motion to open the meeting. 

Commissioner Runge made the motion. Commissioner Schroeder seconded. 

Roll call. 

Motion carried 5-0, 3 absent. 

1. ZC# 24-021 5320 W. 159th Street - Wiwason Links Office Auto Dealer - Special 

Use Permit: PUBLIC HEARING - The applicant requests review and recommendation of approval of a special use permit to allow office space for an automobile dealership in the C2 - General Service Commercial District at 5320 W. 159th Street Unit 303H. 

Assistant Director of Community and Economic Development Paul Ruane reported operations will be conducted in the office setting and vehicles will be sold through 

exportation and auto auction. The Illinois Secretary of State requires proper notice of zoning. Conditions of approval are no overnight parking or storage of vehicles and no storage of vehicles for sale on property. The internal office space is intended for registration, plate and title transfers. 

Chairman Ziak asked for any other questions. 

Commissioner Runge asked if any vehicles will be there to be viewed. 

Applicant, Charles Wiwa, owner of Wiwason Links approached the podium. He stated vehicles will not be parked there. If a viewing is scheduled, he will pick up the vehicle from the auction and bring it there. He will return the vehicle the same day. A follow up question was asked regarding vehicles being stored elsewhere. Mr. Wiwa replied he has a storage place in Blue Island. 

Chairman Ziak asked for any other questions from the Commissioners. Seeing none. 

Chairman Ziak asked for any public comment. Seeing none. 

Chairman Ziak asked for a motion to affirm PZC Resolution 24-021 recommending approval of the special use permit. 

Commissioner Schroeder made the motion. Commissioner Runge seconded. 

Roll call. 

Motion carried 5-0, 3 absent. 

Paul Ruane stated it will go before City Council on September 12, 2024. 

Chairman Ziak asked for a motion for approval of October 2, 2024 minutes. Chairman Ziak asked for any comments. None. 

Commissioner Forbes made the motion. Commissioner Serna seconded. 

Roll call. 

Motion carried 5-0, 3 absent. 

Chairman Ziak asked for citizen participation. Seeing none. 

Paul Ruane stated on November 20 there will be a workshop with legal counsel. Vince Joyce will be joining Planning and Zoning at that time as well. Chariman asked if we are picking up where the last one left off. Paul Ruane stated we are starting from scratch. 

Commission Christmas party on December 13. 

Meeting day for 2025 will stay on Wednesdays. 

Chairman Ziak asked for motion for adjournment. Commissioner Runge made the motion. Commissioner Schroeder seconded. 

All in favor, ayes. 

Motion carried 5-0, 3 absent. 

Meeting adjourned at 7:13 p.m. 

https://www.oak-forest.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_11062024-2017