Zoning Board Approves Car Lot Application

Preliminary approval of an application by the zoning board could give area residents a new option in the town when looking for a new or used car.

With the board's approval the applicant, Spray City Inc. received permission to put a car dealership at 3440 Route 9 South.

First heard in April, the application was postponed due to concerns about the size of the parking lot of the establishment, among other small issues. The applicants came back to the board on Monday evening with a revised application that removed all of the concerns of the parking lot, and the members of the zoning board were much more receptive to this new application.

Representing Spray City Inc. at this application was attorney Mark Williams and engineer Michael Geller. Williams noted the application was heard already in April, and they have since worked quickly to remove most concerns the board had during that meeting about this particular application.

Geller then noted previously they were looking to sell all terrain vehicles, motorcycles and similar cars, however with the updated application, they will just be selling cars now.

“We will just be selling new and used cars at this lot,” he said. Some of the other concerns revolved around parking at this establishment, what kind of work would be done on the cars and what type of filters would be used to help with drainage.

When it came to the parking questionGeller explained there would be approximately five spaces made available for customers.

Zoning Board Secretary Wendell Nanson, filling in as chairman for the meeting in place of John Van Noy, noted that this establishment would not be performing maintenance on cars or doing oil changes, so he did not expect it to be too busy with customers.

“Really how busy is it going to be?” Nanson asked.

Board member John Armata echoed the sentiments of his fellow zoning board member.

“I’ve driven past many used car lots, and they really don’t get more than one customer at a time,” he said. “Having about four to five parking spots for customers will be plenty.”

Geller said in regards to how many cars will be sold, the lot would have about 13 cars for sale outside the store, and seven inside the showroom. He added underground filters would be installed to collect run-off from this car lot, and only one car would be washed per day as a means of not creating too much run-off from the establishment.

Board attorney Ronald Troppoli complimented the applicants for paring down their application so it could be approved, and the case closed with brief words from local resident John Costigan. “These people have done a good job here, and they are just trying to make a living,” he said. “I think it would be a good addition to the borough and should be approved.”

The board agreed with Costigan’s thoughts and approved the matter 5-0. It will be heard once again for final approval at the next Howell Township Zoning Board meeting on Monday, Sept. 12 at 8 p.m. at Howell Township Borough Hall.