EAST WINDSOR, CT — A plan to limit where new car dealerships, repair shops and other automotive businesses could open has been rejected by East Windsor planners.
The Planning and Zoning Commission voted 4-0 against the proposed zoning changes during its Sept. 22 meeting, according to draft meeting minutes.
The proposal was filed by the commission itself and was intended to encourage a broader mix of businesses along the town's commercial corridors.
Under the changes, new and used car dealerships, repair establishments, car washes, automotive retail businesses and vehicle inventory lots would have been removed as permitted uses from the B-2 commercial zone. Dealerships and repair shops also would have been removed from the TZ-5 zone.
Most of those businesses would have remained allowed in the M-1 manufacturing zone.
Existing automotive businesses affected by the changes could have continued as legal nonconforming uses, but they would not have been allowed to expand. The proposal also included revised definitions and new parking requirements for dealerships and repair facilities.
Town Planner Ruthanne Calabrese presented the amendments during the public hearing. No residents spoke for or against the proposal, according to the minutes.
Commissioner Anne Gobin made the motion to approve the changes, with alternate member Wayne Shary providing the second. Chairman Mike Kowalski, Vice Chairman Jim Thurz, Gobin and Shary then voted against the motion.
The rejection leaves the town's existing automotive-use regulations in place.
The vote came as the commission received two new applications involving automotive businesses on South Main Street.
Shelby Real Estate LLC has submitted another proposal for a used-car dealership at 122 South Main St. The latest plan calls for a 4,000-square-foot building and parking lot in the TZ-5 zone.
The company previously proposed a larger dealership and repair facility at the property. Commissioners rejected that application in June following concerns about its size, buffer from neighboring homes and the number of vehicles planned for the site.
Southern Auto Auction and LCC Partnership have also applied to construct two 9,360-square-foot buildings at 138 South Main St. The buildings would support used-car sales and automotive repairs in the B-2 zone.
Both applications will be heard at future commission meetings. Hearing dates were not included in the Sept. 22 minutes.
The commission also received an application seeking approval for a public place of worship at 122 Prospect Hill Road.
For more Northern Connecticut news, follow Patch editor Jay Kenney.
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