Plan commission narrowly recommends Solo Garage special permit amid debate over Interurban’s future

The Richardson City Plan Commission recommended approval May 19 of Zoning File 2608, allowing Solo Garage to operate a body shop at 409 and 411 North Interurban Street and a motor vehicle storage lot at 407 North Interurban, by a 4–3 vote.

Staff presented the application and described the site’s history as a former Classic BMW dealership and subsequent Clay Cooley dealership. Staff said the Main Street Central Expressway planned development and the Interurban subdistrict encourage adaptive reuse but require case‑by‑case review for motor‑vehicle uses. The proposed development plan would formalize Solo Garage’s existing indoor operations, require that all vehicle work occur indoors, add landscaping and screening, and limit the storage lot to serve the body shop.

Applicant Salvador (Sal) Govea, the Solo Garage owner, told commissioners his operation is a niche, BMW‑certified collision center that performs repairs indoors and provides skilled local jobs. Property owner Stephen Graham (Simple Development Partners) said he purchased the property recently, described reinvestment plans (landscape upgrades, roof repairs, improved screening) and argued that retaining Solo Garage helps stabilize the corridor while the owner pursues broader redevelopment.

Several commissioners expressed concern about allowing continued automotive uses in the Interurban subdistrict, citing the city’s Envision Richardson plan and a desire to transition the district toward mixed‑use and design‑oriented businesses. “At some point we have to decide when we’re going to actually do that,” Chairman Marshall said, questioning whether allowing long‑standing automotive uses to continue would retard the district’s change.

Commissioner supporters argued Solo Garage is a long‑term, well‑run business that operates primarily indoors and contributes to local jobs and the corridor’s stability. Commissioner Quirk said he did not expect the district to change quickly because of existing anchor automotive users nearby and favored approval. Theresa Douglas, a nearby business owner, spoke in favor and said she had not observed tow‑truck or alcohol‑related problems.

Commissioner Shisek moved to recommend approval and Commissioner Roberts seconded. The motion passed, 4–3, with Chairman Marshall, Vice Chairman Thomason and Commissioner Keller opposed. The approval will be forwarded to City Council for final action with staff’s recommended conditions, including the requirement that all vehicle work occur inside buildings and completion of site improvements within 90 days of approval.

The record shows a public comment in opposition in the staff packet, and commissioners asked staff to enforce screening and to ensure compliance with building and fire codes (the fire marshal had noted an expired paint‑booth certification that the applicant later said was decommissioned).