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Valley View gives temporary permission to display six cars at Warner Road auto shop while zoning review continues
Summary
Owner Manny McDonald was granted temporary permission to display up to six cars for sale at 5440 Warner Rd. while the Planning Board researches whether the village can grant a conditional use permit or must grant a variance; the formal variance was tabled and McDonald will return in September.
The Village of Valley View Planning Board on July 15 tabled a formal variance request from Manny McDonald, owner of Valley View Motors LLC, to allow the sale of automobiles at 5440 Warner Road, and granted a temporary allowance for up to six cars to be displayed while staff reviews zoning options.
McDonald said vehicles on the front of his property have increased customer walk-ins and are important to revive his auto-repair business; he told the board he owns two of the vehicles on site and others are consignment. He said he can fit six vehicles up front and additional cars on the side, but that he needs driveway access to perform repairs.
Members raised concerns about setting a precedent by granting a property-level variance that would "run with the property" if future owners sought the same permission. Solicitor David Lambros suggested the board consider whether a conditional use permit would be a better fit because it could be tied to the current operator rather than future owners; he said staff must research whether the village code allows that process. Member Marty Johnston and others recommended tabling the variance to research conditional-use options.
The board said it would permit Mr. McDonald to display up to six cars temporarily and asked him to return in September after staff research; one board member recorded opposition on the temporary arrangement but the majority supported a short-term allowance while more formal review occurs. The board instructed Building Commissioner Larry Ellis and staff to examine whether the code supports a conditional-use permit, and to return a recommendation to the commission.
