Committee forwards special-use request for car wash at 5800 West Fifth Avenue

The Gary Common Council Planning and Development Committee on an agenda item reviewed a petition to allow a car wash at 5800 West Fifth Avenue and will forward the request to the full Common Council with a favorable recommendation from the plan commission and city staff.

Ms. Sharp, an administration staff member presenting the item, told the committee the petitioner is an existing business at the site called Caddy Corner Customs and that "the staff recommendation was favorable, because this is a use that aligns with the neighboring properties, and as such the plan commission is bringing it to you with a favorable recommendation."

Petitioner Ralph Garcia told the committee he wants to expand the existing used-car business to include a car wash and said he wanted "an opportunity, a chance to open up" the site and "to at least do something out of it." Garcia described the business as active and disputed suggestions it was abandoned: when asked if the property was abandoned he responded, "No. It's not bad. It's open. It's open."

Committee members asked practical questions about operations and access. Councilman Kenneth Westington asked where customers would enter; Garcia said entrance would be on the side of the building along Calhoun Street. Garcia also said he owns four lots at the site and that the building is the white structure visible from West Fifth Avenue.

Council members complimented the condition of Garcia's property relative to adjacent lots and encouraged the petitioner. Committee Chair Darren Washington said the item will be heard at the next Common Council meeting; no final vote on the special-use permit was taken at the committee meeting.

The discussion was limited to the special-use permit request, site access, and ownership; the committee did not set conditions or take a final vote, and the Common Council will consider the ordinance on its upcoming agenda.