by Wayne Lee – Reporter/Photographer
The Eagle Point Planning Commission met June 16 to hear a proposal for a car wash behind Eagles Market. The plan is expansive and covers more than 20% of the land available for development that not only includes the car wash but a sound wall and access from the Old Hwy. 62 side of the property as well as parking for cars on the east side of the property next to the proposed facility.
According to City Planning Director Mike Upston, the project includes a driveway that ends near the three-way intersection of S. Royal and Old Hwy. 62. According to the project’s traffic engineer, Kim Parducci, that intersection sees 200 vehicles per day on weekdays between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. and very little traffic otherwise. It was also noted that most people wash their cars in the evenings and at weekends.
Another point was that many people leaving the market travel through the shopping center parking lot in order to gain access to the intersection that allows them to go south on Hwy. 62. This development would allow that traffic direct access to Old Hwy. 62 and avoid funneling it through the shopping center parking lot.
Questions were raised regarding water consumption and possible contamination but according to project manager David Hammons, the facility uses biodegradable chemicals, includes an oil separator and uses less water than someone washing their car in the driveway. He also noted that a water recycling system is available if required. The project also includes a stone and concrete wall as a sound barrier. Even though the nearest residence is more than 100 feet away, future development of the remaining property may include residential development.
There was one objection, which came from resident Melissa Teixeira who recently purchased a mobile home in the mobile home park across the street and was concerned about an increase in traffic. However, given the traffic numbers, the commission voted 6-0 to approve the project and send it on to the city council for final approval.
