The Mount Vernon Municipal Planning Commission voted on April 9 to recommend that City Council approve the rezoning of two parcels on Coshocton Avenue to General Business District to enable OReilly Auto Parts to build a new, larger store.
The recommendation is intended to facilitate the construction of a 7,500-square-foot O'Reilly Auto Parts location in Highland Park at 804 Coshocton Avenue, next door to its current site. The proposed store would be approximately 1,500 square feet larger than the existing one and could result in an increase in jobs.
Paul Engel, an owner's representative who spoke at the hearing, said, "They own all their properties, and if you have an issue with the site, you can contact them, and you are talking to the owner of the land. I mean, this is a corporation that is founded in family values, and I can say that because I've done about 4,000 projects with them over the last 27 years." Engel also said O'Reilly plans to build the new store next door to its existing location and needed rezoning of two parcels from single-family residential to general business district. The new site plan will allow two access points to the property which Engel said should improve safety. He added that most likely there will be an increase in jobs.
Engel described several measures planned for compatibility with neighboring residences: "The side of the building facing residential property will not have lights installed or windows with light shining toward the residences. O'Reilly's goal is to clean up the property and build the new store about 30 feet off the property line. Shrubbery and trees will be planted to create a landscape buffer. It is quiet business that typically operates from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. No vehicles are serviced at the store; it is for parts sales only. The east side of the property is for parking. The trash pad will also be located away from residential property to be mindful of O'Reilly's neighbors," he said.
Engel further explained that more room was needed in the rear area for storage due to high demand from mechanics: "Approximately 60% of business is service to mechanics, which helps keep costs competitive for residents when their cars break down. Each O'Reilly's store has five to eight employees; though business at Mount Vernon likely has closer to eight. Additional full-time and part-time employees could be added if business increases," he said.
Mayor Matt Starr, who serves as a commission member, said that City Council should hear this recommendation at its April 27 meeting. Beginning April 13, all City Council meetings and meetings of city commissions and boards will take place at 236 S. Main St., in a new council chamber at the municipal center .
