JAMESTOWN – The Ed Shults Ford-Lincoln car dealership in Jamestown is hoping to undergo a multi-million dollar expansion in the coming months, but it will need a special variance from the city to do so.
On Tuesday afternoon representatives from the car dealership on Washington St. met with the Jamestown Planning Commission to review its plans for a $2.7 million expansion effort that will include upgrades to its facility as well as to its parking lot.
However, the planning commission was reluctant to approve the project because the plan fails to address a gravel parking area behind the dealership that is not up to city code. According to city planner Bill Rice, the gravel parking area needs to be either paved or seeded and turned into green space. Representatives from the dealership said that would add another $300,000 onto the project, making it cost-prohibitive.
After discussion the commission approved the site plan, contingent on the dealership going to the city’s Zoning Board of Appeals and requesting a variance for the gravel lot. If the request is granted, then the project can go forward as scheduled. The variance will go before the zoning board during its March meeting.
The Planning Commission also approved the site plan for a vehicle maintenance garage project at Suit-Kote Corporation on Jones and Gifford Ave.
The commission also continued its discussion on updating the city zoning code regarding electronic LED signs in city. Members felt that the code could be updated to accommodate signage in the downtown area that is zoned as C3, but they didn’t take any formal action, instead saying that the issue should instead be addressed when the city works toward updating its comprehensive plan.
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