Car wash proposed on John Williams Boulevard

BEDFORD — A developer proposing to build a car wash on Bedford’s west side will present details of the project at the Bedford Board of Zoning Appeals March 22.

Tolson Investments of Toledo, Ohio, has filed a request for a special exception to build an automated car wash at 3160 John Williams Boulevard. The property is north of the Dollar Tree in Williams Crossing. The parcel is zoned B-3, which allows a car wash under a special exception permit.

All in this Together: Bedford North Lawrence choir returns with ‘High School Musical’.

On Tuesday, the Bedford Plan Commission, after hearing a brief presentation from an engineer representing Tolson’s request, voted to advance the request to the Board of Zoning Appeals. Under the city’s building regulations, the BZA votes on whether to allow special exceptions.

Plan Commission members asked several questions about the project, including if utilities in the area were sufficient for a car wash. Chase Wicker, representing Tolson, said there were no issues with utilities. Plan Director Brandon Woodward said if the project is approved, Tolson would have to file an erosion plan with the state.

Commission member Steve Kimbley asked if the design would allow for a customer to exit the line. Wicker said there is a feature to allow for that.

The west side already has two car washes — one is on James Avenue and the other is on Plaza Drive. The car wash proposed by Tolson is a fully automated car wash. Vehicles enter a long tunnel where the vehicle is moved along on a conveyor passed a series of synchronized cleaning machines. Once complete, vehicles can exit or move to an area to vacuum the interior. Woodward said customers can purchase packages and the business would be similar to a Crew Car Wash.

Washington Avenue rezone request

In a second request, Mike Wood of Bloomington requested a rezoning of a property at 1820 Washington Ave. The lot is zoned B-1 and Wood is seeking a change to R-2 to allow him to convert the building to a duplex. Wood said he has developed several other properties on that side of town for rent and there is a great need for rental properties in Bedford.

Story continues

More: Questions raised about Shawswick, Guthrie Fire Territory.

The property, which previously was a used car lot, is currently owned by Rusty Shepperd. Wood told commission members the sale is contingent upon the rezoning. Woodward explained if the commission votes to approve the rezoning but for some reason the sale isn’t finalized, the zoning change would be nullified.

The commission voted to advance the request to a public hearing. Woodward will notify adjacent property owners about the request and they will have an opportunity to speak for or against the change at the April 12 meeting.

Contact Times-Mail Staff Writer Carol Johnson at [email protected] or 812-277-7252.

This article originally appeared on The Times-Mail: Car wash proposed on John Williams Boulevard