Matthews Auto proposes dealership expansion; Planning Board seeks stormwater, fire and parking details

Chairwoman Michelle Borton presided as Ben Harrell of CHA explained the amended site plan for Matthews Auto Group at 3893 State Route 31, describing a proposed expansion of the main dealership building, additional parking, the removal of a stormwater pond and the installation of an underground catch basin on a 5.13-acre RC-1 parcel. Mr. Harrell said the changes were intended to address delivery and circulation issues: "this property is located at 3893 State Route 31, which is an existing Matthews Kia dealership," and he described the additional parking and turning-radius work the applicant had provided for the board to review.

Board members requested several specific items before further action. Chairwoman Borton noted county comments and asked for SWPPP and State Historic Preservation Office documentation; Mr. Harrell agreed to provide DOT and SHPO letters and OCWA capacity assurance. The board asked for a signed fire-department approval, a parking-summary table showing required, provided and excess storage counts, snow-storage location shown on the plan, corrected square-footage callouts distinguishing existing vs. proposed, and clearer mapping of the west-side fire entrance. Ms. Guinup and Mr. Palumbo raised clearance and landscaping concerns near vehicle circulation areas; Mr. Harrell said the largest car carrier turning radius and the largest fire truck had been used to evaluate clearance and he would update drawings to show the west side and snow storage as requested.

The applicant asked to adjourn for revisions; Mr. Mitchell moved and Ms. Guinup seconded to adjourn the case to July 22, 2026; the motion carried 6-0. The board did not take a final vote on the site plan at this meeting.