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Ferguson Township approves Blaze Alexander dealership, automated car wash with parking modifications
Summary
The Board of Supervisors approved a conditional use and preliminary land‑development plan for a Blaze Alexander auto dealership and public automated car wash at 1703 West College Ave., including modifications to parking requirements and an escrow guarantee for additional parking if needed.
The Ferguson Township Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Feb. 17 to approve a conditional use and a preliminary land‑development plan for a second Blaze Alexander dealership and an automated car wash at 1703 West College Avenue.
Township staff said the plan, submitted by Pentaira Engineering on behalf of Blaze Alexander Family Limited Partnership, proposes a 22,983‑square‑foot dealership and a 3,426‑square‑foot automated car wash in areas zoned General Commercial and Industrial. The Planning Commission reviewed the applications on Feb. 9 and unanimously recommended approval.
At the hearing, Planning Director Kimberly Smith explained that the conditional‑use vote addressed the appropriateness of locating the uses in the zoning districts, while a separate land‑development review would consider specific modifications, including parking.
John Sepp, an engineer representing Blaze Alexander, told the board the company has 18 dealerships and has relied on long‑term operating experience to size parking. He said the applicant is willing to “post a bond to pave that parking lot should after 1 year in operation it is determined that they need additional parking,” a commitment staff cited as a safeguard if demand exceeds projections.
Board members focused on requested reductions in parking minimums for service bays and the car wash. Smith and staff said many of the parking modifications reflect the automated nature of the car wash and industry norms for dealership service bays; the land‑development approval includes four modifications and three conditions recommended by the Planning Commission. Several supervisors said consistency in applying future parking reductions is important and asked staff to consider broader updates to dealership parking standards.
After discussion the board approved the conditional use and then approved the preliminary land‑development plan by roll call; the manager read affirmative votes for each supervisor and the motions passed unanimously.
Next steps for the applicants include satisfying the conditions in the planning packet and completing any required administrative items before construction permits are issued. The board and staff said they expect to monitor the site in the first year to determine whether the escrowed parking improvements must be activated.
