Planning Commission Approves Permits, Plans For New Ford Dealership

The Planning Commission approved the permit and preliminary site plan for a new Ford Lincoln dealership at 8540 Tyler Boulevard during its meeting Thursday night.

In addition to building a Ford dealership, Classic Auto hopes to move its expanding Hyundai dealership to the former Ford location. This will allow both dealerships to expand, said Classic Auto CFO Larry Villines.

Villines told the Planning Commission that he would probably return to them later this year or early in 2013 with architectural re-imaging plans for the former Ford and future Hyundai building.

Villines said Classic Auto hopes to add about 50 jobs as a result of the two expanding dealerships.

Classic hopes to break ground on the new 67,000-square-foot Ford dealership as soon as possible, Villines said. However, that will not be before Planning Commission approves its final site plan and the soonest that can happen is March 8.

Also at the meeting, the Planning Commission approved a permit for ClevelandMoto to sell new motor scooters, cycles, parts and accessories at 7488 Mentor Avenue, Unit E.

The business is scheduled to open March 1.

Owner Phil Waters said he's hopeful that the Mentor location can expand in the next 6 months to include an adjoining unit in the same building.

ClevelandMoto will sell new motor scooters and cycles from Vespa, Piaggio, Kymco, Genuine Scooter Company, Royal Enfield and Ultra-Moto Electric Bicycles.