Auto Dealership Proposed for Vacant Lot

A vacant South Attleboro property once used as a salvage yard could soon become the site of a Kia dealership. But before he can build the business, auto dealer John Martins must get the property's zoning designation changed from residential to commercial. He cleared the first hurdle last week with a public hearing before the City Council and Planning Board that featured no public opposition.

The 3.5-acre parcel is located on Newport Avenue between Horton and Irving avenues. Martins does not currently own the property, but said he would buy it if the rezoning were approved. He said at the hearing that he plans to spend about $3 million on the project, which would include the property purchase.

Edward Casey, Martins' attorney, said at the hearing that the business would bring in a significant amount of tax revenue to the city. Also, he said it would create 30 to 40 "good-paying" jobs. Martins said he would first look locally to make the hires.

"If we can find qualified people in the area, that's the way we'll go," Martins said.

Casey said the property is located in an area that is growing into a prime commercial hub in the city.

"We have commercial operations that are immediately adjacent to this property …  to a certain extent, what we are proposing today is just one part of the puzzle," Casey said.

Martins owns the on Washington Street. He said he was told by both companies to split the business.

"If we don't find a location to put the Kia franchise, then I am going to have to let one of the franchises go," Martins said.

A traffic study from a consultant hired by Martins showed the new business would cause a 2 percent increase in local traffic. Some city councilors were skeptical about this conclusion, believing the actual increase would be larger.

The public hearing was closed. The Planning Board is expected to make a recommendation on the proposal in the next three weeks. It will then go before a council subcommittee before being presented to the full council for a decision.