Vacant Enfield Restaurant Site To Become A Car Wash

ENFIELD, CT — Nearly a year after a 99 Restaurant closed for business in Enfield, the site will now become home to a new, automated car wash facility.

The Enfield Planning and Zoning Commission recently approved a special permit application allowing for Russell Speeder's Car Wash of Connecticut LLC to build a new, automated car wash at 54 Hazard Ave. (Route 190). The vote was 5-1 with one abstention.

That address was where a 99 Restaurant was located for more than two decades, but the regional chain closed that eatery in October 2024.

According to the project narrative submitted to the town's zoning board, Russel Speeder's Car Wash will demolish the restaurant building and build a new car wash on the site.

Russell Speeder's will lease the site from the property owner, Enfield Station LLC.

"We believe you will find that the proposed development will be in harmony with the purposes and intent of the Enfield zoning regulations and your plan of conservation and development," wrote applicant representative Joseph P. Williams, an attorney with Shipman & Goodwin in Hartford.

"We are excited to bring this proposal before you and believe that it will provide an attractive and productive use in this commercial corridor."

Williams led the presentation at the Sept. 25 public hearing on the application, which was only met with a few questions and no outright opposition before it was closed as a precursor to a vote.

That vote, however, wasn't unanimous, though it was easily approved 5-1 with one abstention.

Enfield PZC member Kenneth Hilinski voted "no," citing traffic concerns at the location.

Meanwhile, PZC member John Petronella abstained, citing dissatisfaction with the layout of the proposed car wash, and chose to refrain from voting.

For the minutes of the Sept. 25 Enfield Planning and Zoning Commission meeting, click on this link.

From Oct. 21, 2024: 'Ninety Nine Restaurant & Pub Closes Its Doors In Enfield'