Decision On Proposed Car Wash In Newtown Expected At Special Meeting

Correction: The special meeting is this Wednesday. A previous version of this article listed the wrong day.

NEWTOWN SQUARE, PA — The Newtown Township Zoning Board will hold a special meeting Wednesday to make a final decision on a proposed car wash at the former Rite Aid pharmacy.

El Car Wash, a corporation based in Miami, is seeking to retrofit the shuttered Rite Aid for a car wash at 3599 West Chester Pike.

With roughly 100 locations in Florida and Michigan, El Car Wash plans to expand to the Philadelphia region. The company's website lists eight locations "coming soon" to the region, including future car washes in Newtown Square, Drexel Hill, King of Prussia and Prospect Park.

However, the proposed Newtown Square location is pending approval.

El Car Wash is seeking special-exemption approval to allow a car wash in Newtown's C-1 commercial district.

The company is also challenging the validity of Newtown's policy prohibiting noise from auto businesses — including car washes and gas stations — from exceeding 40 decibels at the property line.

The Zoning Board expects to make a final decision on the application during the meeting, according to a public notice.

The meeting is set for 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Newtown Township Municipal Building (209 Bishop Hollow Road). Here's the meeting agenda packet.