Board reviews site plan for used‑car dealer; raises parking and spill‑control questions

The Town of Hampden Planning Board reviewed a site‑plan application and discussed operational details for a proposed used‑car dealership at 106B East Lo Road brought by applicant Andre Fidash. The review focused on parking capacity, permitted use in the commercial district, and environmental safeguards; the hearing was informational and no board vote was required.

Fidash told the board he intends to lease a 500‑square‑foot office on the lot and display about five vehicles for resale, sourcing stock through online marketplaces and auctions. Board members confirmed that motorized vehicle sales are a permitted use in the commercial district and that dealer licensing and the select board’s licensing process will govern specifics such as number of display vehicles and dealer requirements.

Members asked whether mechanical reconditioning or maintenance would occur on site after noting inconsistent wording on application materials (one form noted "inspect and recondition," another said "no maintenance"). The applicant said mechanical repairs will be performed off‑site by contracted vendors and that on‑site activity would be limited to detailing and visual inspections. The board pressed for clarity about how long unsold vehicles might remain on the lot and whether fluids could leak from long‑unsold vehicles.

Planning board members advised the applicant to plan for spill containment and disposal procedures and noted that the dealer license review will examine those issues. One member suggested basic on‑site absorbent materials for immediate response to leaks.

Because the review was informational and the site use is allowed, the applicant was referred to the licensing process with the board of selectmen for formal dealer licensing; the planning board did not take a formal vote on the site plan at this meeting.