Planning Commission backs three‑building retail project on Washington Parkway after residents raise noise and drainage concerns

The Washington City Planning Commission voted unanimously Jan. 15 to recommend that the City Council approve C‑24‑19, a conditional use permit for a new three‑building retail development at approximately Washington Parkway and Sandy Tolles Drive.

The project, proposed by Rosenberg & Associates and owned by Gene G. C. and Hills (owner name on file), would be built in three phases and include: a 10,500‑square‑foot automotive tire and service center (Phase 1) with roughly 7,500 square feet of shop space; a 6,791‑square‑foot retail building for off‑road motor vehicles (Phase 2) with indoor/outdoor inventory areas; and a 10,065‑square‑foot multi‑tenant retail building (Phase 3) that includes a drive‑through capability. The project proposes 93 parking stalls where 87 are required and would construct a 10‑foot asphalt trail adjacent to Washington Parkway. Staff recommended forwarding the conditional use permit to City Council with findings and conditions in the staff report.

Why it matters: The automotive service use is directly adjacent to a 55‑and‑older community (Kings Row / Kingsborough), and residents said they worry about noise, drainage and construction impacts. The commission amended a staff condition requiring…