Jeremy Ratliff
Reporter
Wednesday evening, the city’s Board of Public Works voted unanimously to approve a recommendation for Breaman Ford to vacate Cedar Street, as part of a planned expansion. The expansion would consist of a 4,000 square foot addition to the south of the current location, and involves the demolition of two buildings adjacent to the dealership.
The expansion will include employee parking, additional show lot space and a car wash for use by the dealership. The expansion would also entail the vacation of (closing) of the Cedar Street/Center Avenue intersection, which came to the board as a petition from Breaman Ford Wednesday evening. According to Breaman Ford owner Joe Breaman, the intent of closing the Cedar Street intersection would be for the safety of employees in utilizing the new expansion.
The proposal didn’t come without it’s share of concern however.
2nd District Alderman Pete Lokemoen spoke at length Wednesday, of concerns expressed to him by a resident in the vicinity of the proposed expansion. Voiced concerns included snow removal and traffic using private driveways to turn around, once the intersection is closed and signage is in place.
Wednesday’s decision is just the first step in the process. The matter will now be forwarded to the City Plan Commission for consideration. If approved, the matter would be advertised for a public hearing for a minimum of 40 days before coming to the city’s Common Council for final approval.
Next week’s City Plan Commission is set for 5:45 PM in the council chambers at City Hall. Time will be allotted at the end of the meeting for public comment.