New Car Wash Approved At Major Southington Retailer

SOUTHINGTON, CT — Zoning officials said 'yes' Tuesday to two applications that will allow the BJ's Wholesale Club in town to build a new car wash facility on site.

The Southington Planning and Zoning Commission approved both special permit and site plan applications for BJ's Wholesale Club Inc., which operates a store at 75 Spring St., Southington.

BJ's plans to build a 4,800-square-foot car wash facility on the site in the existing parking lot.

The property is zoned for business, so both permits were required as vehicle-washing operations in that type of zone need such applications if being built in such a zone.

Both applications also required public hearings before the PZC vote.

According to a project narrative submitted to the town by Erica K. Rochefort and Matthew Bombaci of Bohler Engineering, the existing BJ's already has a store and gas station.

The west side of the 20.11-acre BJ's site, however, is undeveloped, and the car wash would go there.

"The proposed project includes the construction of a 4,800-plus square-foot building, including a car wash, office space, and mechanical room. The proposed development also includes two proposed pay stations with individual canopies as well as other associated site improvements," wrote Rochefort and Bombaci.

Bohler Engineering is based in Massachusetts, but has an office in West Hartford. It represents BJ's.

BJ's representatives, including Bombaci, went before the PZC on Tuesday to outline their plan before members of the public were given the chance to speak.

Ultimately, however, no one came forward to provide testimony, and the PZC closed the hearing.

Zoning board members had equally few words during deliberations, quickly approving both permits with minimal comments other than seeking a few technical requirements.

One condition was that 10 percent of parking for the car wash be stipulated for electric vehicles, something requested by Southington PZC Chairman Robert Hammersley.

He said BJ's is a major player on the local business scene and the car wash would be an additional benefit to the community.

"I appreciate the business out there," Hammersley said. "It is a good service to have for our town. As I've said, I use it often."

Both the special permit and the site plan votes were unanimous 6-0 votes.

For all documents related to the 75 Water St. BJ's Car Wash application, click on this link.