Temporary Event For Used Car Sales Approved

(Posted Oct 12)

Chip Walker, a representative for Andy Mohr Ford, asked the Speedway Town Council to approve the dealer's last minute request to turn the southwest corner of US 136 and Crawfordsville Road (6315 Crawfordsville Road) into a ten day used car lot. The last minute request gave the council no time to seek citizen input before granting approval to do business in a C-4 zoning. Councilor Jeff Hartman voted against the request, giving it a 4-1 vote

Walker said he needed approval that night at the October 8 meeting so he could obtain the necessary permit from the state for the October 17-27 sale, not realizing he would also need a permit from the town to conduct the sale.

Walker was caught off guard when asked about Speedway's permit ranging from $1,000 to $2,500. He noted the range, saying that if it was $2,500 he would probably pass. The council delegated the fee structure to Clerk Treasurer Sharon Zishka. She said it would be based on the size of the area occupied like the RV sales that occurred in May. It appeared the council's quick decision was based on their past experience of allowing the RV sales and zoning.

Councilors Jeff Hartman and Dean Farmer were concerned about the traffic volume at the southwest corner and how it might impact residents at West Wind Apartments. Hartman had concerns about the little time given to review the request.

Walker did not expect to have a traffic problem since three to five people would be considered a high volume of customers looking at cars. Walker said 24 hour security would be on site and if traffic became a problem, the security officer could be diverted to traffic control at 136 and Debonair Lane.

According to DMD Senior Planner Ryan Hunt, the ordinance changed this year to allow car dealers to have to two temporary sales event a year, including a C-4 zoning classification. Auto sales are permitted in C-3.

Walker said they decided to bring the convenience of car sales to Speedway. Walker expects about 80 to 100 cars to be available at the site. He noted that fall is a good time for used car sales. The goal is to offer affordable transportation to Speedway. The sales lot will be a mix of brands with price tags ranging from $8,000 to $19,000.

Councilor Lu Hillmer sought advice from Police Chief Jeff Dine and Enforcement Code Officer Jereme Howery to see if they had issues with the plan. Howery said the council's action is opening the door to other requests to open used car lots in town, but Howery did not have a problem if it is the council's desire to grant the request.

Town Attorney Kim Blanchet requested Andy Mohr signed a hold harmless agreement.