Commission approves Jambo Motors conditional use for auto sales on Havana Street amid mixed public reaction

The Aurora Planning and Zoning Commission approved a conditional use permit for Jambo Motors to operate an auto sales dealership in the Mixed Use Corridor zone along Havana Street, passing the motion with six votes in favor and one abstention.

Staff case manager Caitlin Fortner presented the request, describing the site at the southeast corner of Tennessee Avenue and Havana Street and noting surrounding auto-oriented uses. Fortner explained the "touch rule" for infill projects and said the redevelopment plan and conditional-use findings meet the standards of the MUC zone. "Per the standards of this section, the applicant is providing street trees along Havana Street," Fortner said. Commissioner Hogan moved to approve the conditional use based on staff recommendation; Commissioner Bush seconded.

Public testimony was split. Arnie Schultz, representing the Village East Neighborhood Association, said his board was unanimously opposed and listed multiple existing dealers on Havana, saying the corridor is "becoming trash now." Chance Horiuchi, an Aurora resident, spoke in favor of Jambo, citing the applicant's long-standing community engagement. Commissioners discussed that their scope is code compliance rather than broader concentration policy; however, several commissioners urged the applicant to implement robust lighting and security measures. The motion carried 6–0 with Commissioner Walls abstaining.