Kunes Ford presents $15–17 million relocation plan for Route 173 site; trustees press for guarantees on old property

Representatives for Kunes/Kunis Ford presented a concept plan to trustees to relocate their dealership about 2,000 feet east on Route 173 and build a roughly 40,000‑square‑foot showroom and service facility.

Dax Donnelly, director of development for the Kunis Group, said the project would include about 26 service bays (five designed for heavy vehicles), roughly 600 parking stalls on an approximately 12.5‑acre site and represents a $15–$17 million local investment. He told trustees a traffic study supports two driveways on Route 173 and additional access points from Lincoln Avenue and that he had submitted study materials to the state Department of Transportation.

Trustees and residents pressed the developer about prior incentive deals in the corridor and what would happen to the current dealership shell. Trustee comments recalled past incentive negotiations that stalled, and several trustees said any future agreement must include firm performance protections. "Your reputation precedes all of this," one trustee said, urging better communication and clearer guarantees about finishing prior commitments. The developer said they would not let the older site go blighted and will include a plan for incentives (including TIF if appropriate) when they return with a formal proposal.

No formal incentive or TIF commitment was made at this meeting; trustees asked staff to review financials, parking plans and incentives and to expect more detailed materials in future meetings.