The most notable portion of the meeting was dedicated to the car wash facility’s proposed enhancements. Kevin Sheay, representing Finish Line Auto Spa LLC, presented that the modifications included retrofitting the existing facility, which had been closed for some time. The proposal aimed to reoccupy the site without expanding its non-conforming use, aligning with past approvals from 2020 and 2023.

A significant concern for council members was the potential for traffic congestion, particularly on Route 38. Bethan Garaso, a traffic engineer, presented a wash queuing analysis, indicating that the facility could process between 250 to 350 vehicles daily, with peak usage on Fridays and Saturdays. She reported that the car wash tunnel could handle about 60 cars per hour. Despite the facility’s theoretical capacity to handle up to 100 cars per hour, the conservative estimate aimed to prevent overflow onto Route 38.

Further discussions touched on the capacity of the pay kiosks, which could theoretically process up to 180 cars per hour, exceeding the tunnel’s capacity. This discrepancy led to concerns about potential backups if one kiosk malfunctioned. Operational protocols, such as directing staff to assist with traffic management using mobile devices, were considered to alleviate congestion. The council stressed the importance of clear communication and signage to guide customers and prevent confusion.

The meeting also addressed logistical and operational aspects such as delivery schedules and chemical storage for the facility. Deliveries would be scheduled outside of peak hours, and chemicals would be stored safely within the facility. The proposal included enhancements to landscaping along Route 38, with additional plantings to improve the facility’s visual impact. However, concerns about compliance with landscape requirements persisted, particularly regarding buffer widths and views from the highway.

Another focal point was the installation of new signage. The proposal aimed to reduce the number of signs from five to two, while ensuring compliance with local guidelines. The discussion explored the need for wayfinding signs to guide customers and the importance of signage that could clearly communicate operational status, such as when the wash is closed.

Beyond the car wash facility, the council addressed a land subdivision application for a property on South Cedar Avenue. This involved subdividing a portion of the property to be added to an adjacent one, which required several bulk variances. The board approved the subdivision contingent on compliance with the engineer’s review letter and necessary modifications.