Commission recommends site plan and special land‑use approval for car wash at Wayne and Hunter

The Westland Planning Commission recommended approval of case 1941I on March 4, 2025, a combined site plan and special land‑use request to convert a vacant building at the northwest corner of Wayne Road and Hunter Avenue into an automated car wash. The motion included a direction for planning and engineering staff to review sewer and water capacity given historical concerns for the shopping center.

Administration said the subject property is CB3 general commercial business, roughly two acres, and currently contains a vacant single‑story building previously occupied by a pharmacy. Staff reported that the applicant proposes an interior automated car wash, eight enclosed interior vacuum stations, expanded landscaping and a stacking lane designed into the site. A traffic impact study prepared by a certified traffic engineer concluded the proposed use would generate an insignificant net increase in peak hour vehicle trips compared with the existing CVS use and would not materially change levels of service on adjacent roadways.

Stonefield Engineering representative Eric Williams, developer Brandon Casaub and a brand representative described plans to reuse the existing building shell, add landscaping, and maintain existing shared access drives rather than create new curb cuts on Wayne or Hunter. Williams said the revised plan increases green space by about 6,300 square feet and preserves counterclockwise circulation on the site similar to the existing configuration.

Commissioners asked questions about sewer and water capacity, left‑turn lanes at the intersection, and voluntary community benefits the developer had offered during outreach. Administration and the petitioner said modern car washes commonly recycle a substantial share of water and that engineering and DPS staff reviewed the plans and raised no objections; however, the commission asked administration to double‑check sewer and water capacity from an historical perspective. Commissioner David Swokas moved to close the public hearing, waive normal rules, and forward case 1941I to city council with the recommendation for approval, including the administration's follow‑up check on sewer and water; Richards seconded. The roll call vote was unanimous in favor and administration told the petitioner to coordinate on next steps prior to the council hearing.