Zoning Board Considers New Carwash Site

MILTON, Del. -- After a lengthy discussion and considerable page turning in the Milton, Del., zoning ordinance manual, the town's planning and zoning commission deferred a preliminary site plan review for a carwash until the next meeting. Jim Parker wants to purchase a parcel of land in the town, install a new carwash and renovate the existing building as a commercial lease property.

The primary sticking point in the review was whether or not Parker would be required to install a sidewalk across 216 feet of frontage on the facing street. His site plan includes curbing across the property, however, he said during the permitting process with Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT), he was informed that the state agency does not require installation of sidewalks.

The issue is whether or not the property will fall under a town ordinance requiring all new construction to install sidewalks. The self-serve/automatic carwash would be new construction; however, the property is also the site of an existing building, which is intended for commercial use.

Zoning commission members said there could be legal ramifications if they granted a conditional preliminary site plan approval contingent on getting a legal opinion on the sidewalk issue. It was not clear if a waiver would be appropriate and legal in the situation.

The property is between an apartment complex and the future site of a shopping center that will include a supermarket and restaurants. Commission member Michael Filicko pointed out the potential of pedestrian traffic and said his primary concern is with the safety of walkers.

At the Tuesday night meeting, current property owners Linda and Tom Davis expressed concern that further delays could discourage Parker from purchasing the property and doing business in Milton. Parker said he is presently at the mercy of planning and zoning commissioners and he did not indicate that he would withdraw from the land purchase and business plan.

Source: Cape Gazette

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