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Nobody Will Get Wet Tonight — Car Wash Appeal Is Off Council Agenda

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The tone of this evening’s City Council  meeting was considerably lowered when a spotlight item — appealing a Planning Commission rejection of a proposed neighborhood car wash and convenience store — was postponed  for seven weeks, at the appellant’s request.

Rescheduled for the second week in November, the philosophically fascinating subject of the proximity of two alike businesses is certain to trigger a lively debate.

The Master  Plan

On  the site of what is now  a Valero gas station, 10332 Culver Blvd., across from Sony Studios,  the owner hopes to provide  two  new services even though the Union 76  station at the southeast corner of Culver and Overland Avenue, several blocks away, offers a car wash.

The announced intention is to level three  repair  bays at the station and the small convenience  store that presently is available for customers. They would be replaced by  an automated car wash and  an  expanded convenience store.

‘Competition Is Healthy’

Without promising  which  way he will  vote,  City Councilman Steve Rose,  who is chief  executive of the  Chamber of Commerce by day, offered a glimpse into his  November  posture.

“I always am in favor of competition,” he said.

‘Not Our Business’

Vice Mayor Carol  Gross said it a little differently.

“One  guy  has as much  right  as another to build a car  wash,” which is  regarded as the key factor, competitively speaking. “I am  not one to tinker with the free market. Generally, I don’t  get into picking and choosing.

“How close businesses are to each other  is a  business  decision not  a  subject for government,”  Ms.  Gross said.

No Prohibition

A lighter line usually is never far from the grasp of Mayor Alan  Corlin.

“We do not have an ordinance that says you can’t have three car  washes in  a row,” he  said.

“As  Councilmembers, our job is to do what  is  economically right for the area.  Then  we balance that off against what is  good for the neighborhood.”

Councilman Scott Malsin declined to comment.