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.
