Committee Approves Truck Terminal Despite Residential Concerns

A Monee Township truck terminal received approval from Will County’s Land Use & Development Committee Thursday despite concerns about its proximity to residential areas.

The committee voted 5-1 to approve both a map amendment and special use permit for the facility on vacant land near the Amazon distribution center on West Monee-Manhattan Road. The project would include 106 truck parking spaces, 53 tractor parking spaces, and a 61,200-square-foot building.

Bill Zalewski, representing the developer, said the 24/7 operation would primarily serve truckers traveling between terminals, with most activity during normal business hours. The facility would employ 25 full-time staff and is designed to expand the company’s existing BR operation from Matteson.

The project faced questions about its impact on the adjacent Middle Creek subdivision. Committee members asked about landscaping buffers and fencing to protect nearby residential properties.

Zalewski said the development would include dense landscaping or fencing along the western property line adjacent to residences. The facility would initially develop only the southern portion of the property, leaving northern areas for farming until a bridge can be built across a creek.

The application includes a traffic study showing an estimated 100-150 vehicle trips during morning peak hours and 165 trips during evening peak hours. Access would be from Carl Street, which is currently unimproved and under village of Monee jurisdiction.

Committee member Judy Ogala cast the dissenting vote on both the map amendment and special use permit. The project now advances to the full County Board for final approval.