Oak Park Residents Raise Concerns Over Proposed El Car Wash Development

Residents worry the new car wash could pose safety risks and hurt existing businesses in the community.

Mar. 3, 2026 at 10:54pm

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Residents in Oak Park, Michigan, are voicing concerns over a potential El Car Wash development on the corner of 10 Mile and Greenfield roads. The site was previously a vacant Rite Aid pharmacy. Residents worry the new car wash could increase traffic and safety risks, especially for pedestrians, in an already congested area near schools and other local businesses. They also fear the new car wash could put an existing car wash across the street out of business.

Why it matters

Oak Park is a tight-knit community, and residents are concerned that the proposed car wash development could negatively impact the area's safety, traffic flow, and existing local businesses. The community is rallying to voice their opposition to the city council before the final vote on the rezoning and development proposal.

The details

The Oak Park Planning Commission passed site plans for the car wash on Feb. 2, and the city council approved the first vote to rezone the property on Feb. 16 to make it more suitable for businesses. The city council will hold a second and final vote on the rezoning and development on March 4. If passed, the El Car Wash will be built on the former Rite Aid site. Residents argue this would be the fourth car wash in the community and worry about increased traffic, safety risks, and potential harm to an existing car wash across the street.

  • The Oak Park Planning Commission passed site plans for the car wash on February 2, 2026.
  • The Oak Park City Council approved the first vote to rezone the property on February 16, 2026.
  • The Oak Park City Council will hold the second and final vote on the rezoning and development on March 4, 2026.

The players

Sharon Levine

An Oak Park resident who is concerned about the safety risks the proposed car wash could pose, especially for pedestrians in the area.

Leslye Richie

An Oak Park resident who does not want the car wash to be developed, arguing there is already a car wash directly across the street.

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What they’re saying

“We're opening the door for a terrible accident.”

— Sharon Levine, Oak Park Resident

“We don't want a car wash. There's a car wash directly across the street. It doesn't make sense.”

— Leslye Richie, Oak Park Resident

What’s next

The Oak Park City Council will hold the second and final vote on the rezoning and development proposal for the proposed El Car Wash on March 4, 2026. Residents are urging the community to reach out to city council members before the vote to voice their concerns.

The takeaway

This case highlights the tensions that can arise when a new development is proposed in a tight-knit community. Residents of Oak Park are concerned the new car wash could pose safety risks, increase traffic, and harm an existing local business. The community is mobilizing to make their voices heard before the city council's final vote on the project.