Will County P&Z Approves Mokena Scrap Drop-Off Despite Municipal Objections

Will County P&Z Commission Meeting | Jan. 20, 2026

Article Summary: The Will County Planning and Zoning Commission granted a special use permit for an outdoor recyclable material drop-off facility in Mokena, overriding objections from both the Village of Mokena and Frankfort Township.

Mokena Zoning Key Points:

• Approval: The commission voted unanimously to approve the special use permit for the facility at 11103 W. 189th Place.

• Objections: The Village of Mokena opposed the plan, citing concerns about long-term planning, floodways, and potential odors. Frankfort Township also recommended denial.

• Operations: The applicant stated that drop-off bins are movable and will be stored inside the building overnight to maintain cleanliness and security.

• Current Status: The site is already operating as a metal scrap business; the permit legalizes the outdoor drop-off component.

The Will County Planning and Zoning Commission (PZC) on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, voted to approve a special use permit for a scrap metal drop-off facility near Mokena, despite formal opposition from local municipal bodies.

The applicant, AJ Inter Estate LLC, requested the permit for a property at 11103 W. 189th Place to allow customers to drop off scrap metal in outdoor bins. The property is located in County Board District 4 and zoned I-1 (Industrial).

County staff reported that the Village of Mokena objected to the request, citing concerns regarding the village’s long-term planning objectives, a floodway running through the property, and the potential for odors affecting nearby residential areas. Frankfort Township also submitted a recommendation of denial following their board meeting on January 12.

Despite these objections, county staff recommended approval with conditions. Staff noted that the property is located within an existing industrial subdivision and that the applicant is not requesting permission for outdoor processing of materials, only drop-off.

“They’ve been operating a good business and have been a very good tenant for us,” said Thomas Staskus, agent for the property owner. He explained to the commission that the business buys scrap metal from customers and that all bins are moved inside the building at night. “It’s better to have it in containers… than all over the place where it doesn’t belong.”

Commissioners questioned the applicant about potential nuisances. Staskus assured the board that no processing occurs outdoors and that the site is cleaned daily.

“We saw all the trucks parked alongside your businesses up and down the road, so I think traffic is the minor thing to worry about in this particular circumstance,” Chairman Hugh Stipan noted during the hearing.

The commission voted unanimously to approve the request.