Planning Commission recommends approval for Bay Custom Auto body shop on Jefferson Avenue

In a recent Newport News Planning Commission meeting, significant discussions centered around a conditional use permit application for an automobile body and paint shop proposed by RM Welham Properties LLC and Bay Custom Auto. The application, identified as CU20250002, seeks to establish operations at 11408 Jefferson Avenue, a site currently zoned for general commercial use.

The property spans 1.92 acres and is surrounded by a mix of residential and commercial establishments, including Deer Park Apartments and single-family homes. Although the proposed use does not align perfectly with the city’s comprehensive plan for neighborhood commercial uses, it is seen as a positive step towards the reuse of vacant property, which is a key strategy in the city’s long-term development goals.

The planning staff highlighted that the site has been designated as C2 General Commercial since a citywide rezoning in 1997, allowing for such developments with the necessary permits. The proposal includes a 20-foot transitional buffer to protect adjacent residential areas and a 28-foot landscaped area along Jefferson Avenue, which aims to enhance the visual appeal of the corridor.

The applicant plans to demolish the existing structure, previously used for car sales, and construct a new two-story building designed with contemporary aesthetics, featuring large metal panels and stone accents. The design includes a service area located at the rear of the property, ensuring that all operations occur indoors with closed bay doors, thereby minimizing noise and visual disturbances for nearby residents.

The business is expected to operate weekdays from 7 AM to 7 PM, employing up to 12 staff members at any time. The planning commission noted that city departments had no objections to the proposal, and the overall sentiment was that the new development would improve the area while adhering to the city’s comprehensive plan.

In conclusion, the Planning Commission recommended that the city council approve the conditional use permit, subject to 19 conditions, including the submission of a class 1 site plan. This decision reflects a commitment to balancing commercial development with the needs of the surrounding community, aiming to revitalize the area while maintaining residential quality of life.