Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Zoning Used Car Dealer topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Planning Commission denies conditional use for used car dealership at 3240 Yankee Road
Summary
The Middletown Planning Commission denied a conditional use application to allow a used car dealership at 3240 Yankee Road, citing the city's comprehensive plan and staff recommendation that a higher-wage commercial use would better meet future land-use goals.
The Middletown Planning Commission voted 5-0 April 9 to deny a conditional use application to operate a used car dealership at 3240 Yankee Road.
City staff told the commission the property is zoned B-2 (community business) and is substantially smaller than the 4-acre lot size the zoning district anticipates for certain commercial uses; staff recommended denial based on the comprehensive plan and the city's desire for uses with higher W-2 withholding (stronger payroll/tax base) than a small automotive sales lot. Staff said prior automotive sales at the address had been treated as a nonconforming use and that a nonconforming use ceases if not active for more than 12 months.
Commission discussion noted the parcel has been vacant for roughly two years in the city's records and that Google Street View suggested low recent activity. Commissioners also discussed that several small car lots exist in the vicinity but said the commission must implement the comprehensive plan goals and staff recommendations when feasible. Commissioners ultimately made and seconded a motion to deny; no members voted in favor. No members of the public spoke in favor or opposition during the hearing.
Action recorded: motion to deny conditional use for automotive sales at 3240 Yankee Road — denied 5-0. The staff report and the commission record state that denial was based on the city's future land use guidance and the staff recommendation that a different commercial use would better serve Middletown's fiscal and planning goals.
