Brian Faul, the attorney representing GR Development LLC, presented the plan for the Weville Car Wash, emphasizing the environmentally friendly design which reclaims 74% of the water used, meeting industry standards. He noted that the new facility would feature three queuing lanes and employ between three to seven staff members during operational hours.

Despite these assurances, the public hearing revealed a divide between the project’s proponents and local residents. Concerns were voiced by community members about the increased traffic that the car wash would bring, with Robert Misho, from MDM Transportation Consultants, attempting to reassure attendees that the expected traffic increase would be modest. However, residents like Alvar Watson and Pete Sharon expressed worries about the impact on their daily lives, particularly in terms of congestion and pollution. Watson, a nearby resident, questioned the benefits of the car wash for locals and noted potential pollution from increased traffic, while Sharon highlighted past experiences with congestion when the site operated as a bank.

Additional skepticism was voiced by Leah Owen, who raised concerns about drainage issues, and Matthew Pisner, a local business owner, who questioned the adequacy of the proposed parking. Pisner also pointed out potential complications with counting vacuum spaces as parking, which could affect space availability for customers and staff.

The opposition grew more pronounced when Matthew Pner, a member of the Marlborough community, criticized the proposal for not aligning with the city’s comprehensive urban planning goals. He warned of market oversaturation, referencing the presence of six car washes within a two-mile radius, and questioned the developers’ commitment to the community. Pner also cited safety concerns. Another local business owner, Nick Jusus, echoed these concerns, lamenting the lack of notification about the special permit application and labeling the development as “predatory.”

As the meeting progressed, the council acknowledged the opposition and moved to address the logistical aspects of the car wash proposal. Concerns about noise pollution were particularly highlighted, with council members requesting detailed noise mitigation strategies. The developers outlined plans for adjustable tunnel and belt speeds to manage customer volume and minimize wait times, which they claimed would help mitigate noise. However, councilors requested further studies to ensure compliance with local noise ordinances.

The council also discussed the need for updated traffic studies, given the last analysis was conducted two years prior. The ongoing road repairs in the area further complicated the access issues, prompting a request for a fresh assessment to be prioritized for future consideration.

Beyond the car wash proposal, the council addressed several other agenda items. These included the approval of a special permit for a drive-through window at a café located on Maple Street, the denial of a special permit application for a residential conversion on Maple Street due to legal concerns, and the acceptance of a $4,975 grant for firefighter protective gear. The council also approved appointments to various boards and committees.