Dealership permits recommended

The Waynesboro Planning Commission on Tuesday night voted in support of two special use permit applications to open car dealerships along Main Street.

G&W Motorwerkes in Staunton, one of Virginia’s few Porsche sales and maintenance shops, recently applied to relocate into the recently vacated Grand Home Furnishings building at 518 W. Main St. A city staff report supported the move and city officials spoke highly of the “marquee-type” reputation of the luxury car dealership.

Commissioners voiced excitement about the potential move. Owners Weldon and Phyllis Scrogham said they are considering minor cosmetic changes to the existing building.

An application to open a used-car dealership at 317 E. Main St., next to Tastee Freeze, elicited more discussion from commissioners, who voted 5-1 in support.

Samson R. Mall, owner of Malls Mart in the city, said he would like to sell as many as a dozen used cars on the long-vacant lot formerly used for car sales.

Commissioner Terry Short said allowing the dealership would be a positive way to fill a vacant lot, but noted it doesn’t meet the city’s aesthetic guidelines for its gateway corridor location.

“We should acknowledge we are deviating,” from the comprehensive plan, he said.

City Planner Michael Barnes said staff did not want to include “burdensome” aesthetic or landscaping guidelines in their recommendation. Commissioners said landscaping would be positive, but agreed the city should not require it.

Commission Vice Chairman David Bihl called the proposed use “wholly incompatible” with the city’s comprehensive plan, but said there was little chance the lot would find a better use in the near-future. He unsuccessfully moved for a five-year limit on the special-use permit, then entered the lone vote against the permit.

During a previous public hearing, Tom Carlsson, director of development for the Waynesboro Redevelopment and Housing Authority, told the city council the lot has numerous condition deficiencies, all within site of the city’s entry “Hospitality in the Valley” sign.

Th city council will considered the permits Monday.

In other business, Short requested city staff look into televising commission meetings. He also asked if a joint session could be held with city council so the commission can receive guidance and said the commission should find a way to convey its conversations and debates to city council, instead of only formal recommendations and vote tallies.