A proposal for a combination gas station-car wash in nearby unincorporated Will County has some Tinley Park residents and officials raising concerns about increased traffic and possible health and safety hazards, according to a Sun-Times Media report.

Lenny's Gas N Wash owner Leonard McEnery wants to open a new location near the intersection of 194th Street and Harlem Avenue, the report stated. Along with being a gas station and car wash, the business would be open 24 hours and sell alcohol, the report continued. McEnery opened a similar station in Mokena at 191st Street and 88th Avenue earlier this year.

READ: Check Out the Full Sun-Times Media Story for More Details

One fear neighboring village residents and officials—including Mayor Ed Zabrocki—have is that the station would increase traffic from semi-trucks coming from Interstate 80 to gas up on diesel fuel, the report stated. Along with the potential added congestion, critics worry the truck traffic could produce noise pollution, bring harmful diesel fumes to the area and create a possible traffic hazard as trucks turn into the station without the benefit of a dedicated turning lane on southbound Harlem Avenue, the report continued.

Other concerns include a decrease in property values and an increase in criminal activity, the report stated.

“We’re not opposed to commercial use," Sandy Rennie, a 12-year resident of the Tinley Trails subdivision, told Sun-Times Media. "We know that jobs are important to a community, but we don’t want this type of development. There’s a gas station two blocks away. There’s another one at 183rd and Harlem. That’s enough.”

READ: Mokena 'Thrilled' About New Station on Planned Gas City Site

Rennie and her husband are organizing residents to attend the next Will County Planning and Zoning Commission meeting, when the station's request for special-use permits to allow a food drive-through window, the car wash and liquor sales will be discussed, the report stated. Zabrocki told Sun-Times Media the village is sending a letter to the county, opposing the station, the report continued.

The commission meeting is 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 8, in the Will County Building in Joliet. A final decision on the special-use permits by the Will County Board will probably be in December, the report stated.

YOUR TURN: What do you think about the proposed gas station and car wash at 194th Street and Harlem Avenue? Is it a good idea that will bring jobs and business interests to the area? Or will it just cause hassles for residents? Take our poll and share your thoughts in the comments section.

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