Ed Pasquesi, owner of Pasquesi Home & Garden, said he and other residents are strongly opposed to a proposed private helipad at the Ferrari Lake Forest dealership in Lake Bluff.
“I hope the village will oppose the helipad,” Pasquesi told Lake County Gazette. Gazette.
Pasquesi opined on how the proposed helipad would affect his business and the surrounding community.
“Our business, Pasquesi Home & Garden, is right across the street from the Ferrari dealership,” he said. “We are happy they are here and want them to continue to be. Our opposition is to a helipad, either at the dealership or anywhere in Lake Bluff or Lake Forest.”
“Communities like Lake Forest and Lake Bluff are special, and we value our way of life. A helicopter flying over our business, the golf course across the street, or the neighborhood would disrupt everyday life, which is why we live in this community.”
Pasquesi emphasized that the proposed helipad is unnecessary.
“There is a reason the Ferrari dealership is located here, because some residents can afford it. But landing a helicopter would disrupt our way of life with noise and other disturbances. The owner could easily use Waukegan Airport, just 20 minutes away, instead. We are completely opposed to the helipad.”
He said his neighbors agree.
“I have spoken with people in the industrial park where we are located and with residents across the street. There is strong opposition.”
The man making the request is Aaron Zeigler, president and owner of Zeigler Auto Group, which he took over from his parents. The company, which operates more than 40 dealerships, generated over $2.37 billion in revenue in 2023 and ranks 45th among U.S. dealership groups, according to Automotive News.
“A helicopter over our neighborhood would provide no benefit to the community and would only benefit one individual. Using Waukegan Airport would add only about an hour to each trip and avoids unnecessary disruption,” Pasquesi said. “The dealership is a great benefit to the community, particularly through sales tax revenue, but that does not justify disturbing residents’ quality of life.”
Pasquesi also highlighted the long history of his business and the dealership.
“We recently celebrated 50 years in business,” he said. “We spent 20 years in Lake Forest and have now completed 20 years at this location.”
Pasquesi Home & Garden began in 1975 as an Ace Hardware store and has grown into its current form. Founders Ed and Marie Pasquesi have retired, and their three children, Cindy, Mike and Lisa Pasquesi, now manage the company. The family has long-standing ties to the area, with the Pasquesi children having grown up in Lake Bluff and now raising their own families in Lake Forest and Lake Bluff.
Ed Pasquesi (right) and his children Mike, Cindy and Lisa oppose a proposed helipad at the Ferrari Lake Forest dealership across from their Lake Bluff business. (Facebook / Pasquesi Home & Gardens)
Zeigler Auto Group acquired Ferrari Lake Forest, a dealership founded by Rick Mancuso in 1981, in 2025.
“The Ferrari dealership has been in business almost as long as we have,” Pasquesi said. “The previous owner, a local resident, did not see the need for a helipad. The dealership was sold fairly recently.”
Pasquesi’s comments come after a petition was launched urging residents in Lake Bluff, Lake Forest and Knollwood to oppose the helipad. Published on Change.org, the petition has garnered 259 signatures and warns that the plan would disrupt the community’s peace.
A related website, justusewaukeganairport.com, also highlights potential noise and safety risks, noting that approximately 100–120 helicopter accidents occur nationwide each year.
As opposition grows, both the petition and website encourage residents to contact local officials. “Tell your mayor and trustees you oppose this helipad,” the website says.
