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Larry Morales seeks permit to reestablish auto repair at 55 South Wells
Summary
Larry Morales asked the Ward 1 Neighborhood Advisory Board for a conditional-use permit to reestablish an auto repair use at 55 South Wells, citing long-term prior use and ownership since 1997. Board members expressed support and noted zoning overlays created new restrictions; the item will move on to the Planning Commission.
Larry Morales asked the Ward 1 Neighborhood Advisory Board on behalf of his property at 55 South Wells for a conditional use permit to "reestablish nonconforming use for auto service and repair," saying he bought the building in 1997 and operated it as an auto shop for many years.
Morales told the board the building had been home to his business and later rented to other tenants; it has been vacant for about seven months. "That would give me more people in the pool to try to rent it out," he said, describing the financial need to return the property to an automotive use.
Board members asked about the property's history and whether the current zoning overlays affect eligibility. Maya Johnson confirmed the building was set up for automotive uses and asked whether Morales planned to operate the shop himself; Morales said he intended to lease the space to an operator who would secure the required permits.
Multiple board members signaled support for Morales' request and referenced "grandfathering" of longstanding uses. Brian Harvey said he "concur[red] with Mike here that you're grandfathered in," and another member called the request a "slam dunk" based on the property's history. The board took questions, then opened the item to public comment.
Damien Cole, a public commenter, said the Riverwalk overlay district was adopted in 2021 when redevelopment guidelines were integrated into code; he offered that as background on when the zoning overlay that now limits automotive uses was created. No final land-use decision was made at the meeting; the board heard the application and public comment and will forward input to the planning process for further review.
The board did not vote on the permit at this meeting.
