The low-slung, white building at 44 West Stafford Road is getting a new — but familiar — life. The property owner, Richard Pisciotta, came before the Planning and Zoning Commission (PZC) on January 4, 2024, to present his plans.
On one side of the building, Pisciotta will operate an auto sales and service center; on the other, Eric Cross will operate an auto body shop. Many of the commission’s questions revolved around the auto body side of things, with concerns about the possible need for a secure yard and the visibility of wrecked cars from the road. Cross assured the commission he does not plan to take tow-ins but instead plans to be by appointment only. That said, the commission still asked for a six-foot fence to screen dumpsters and any dismantled cars from the road.
The PZC also pointed out that there would need to be two handicap spots; one would need to be van accessible. There were seven display spaces for vehicles at the front of the property, and the commission suggested that some of the parking closer to the building be denoted on the plans as flex spaces that can be used for display spaces when needed. However, they also indicated that no vehicles for sale should be stored on the west side of the property.
And, as is increasingly the case, sidewalks were on the commissions’s minds. Because the property is a reuse and not a complete redevelopment, the commission opted not to ask for sidewalks to be installed but indicated that if the property to the west — also owned by Pisciotta — were to be developed, sidewalks would need to be installed across both properties at that time.
“Sidewalks are a pain, but it would make the property look nice,” said commission member Dr. David Mordasky.
“Eventually, it will all connect,” said Richard Shuck, a commission member.
The PZC voted to approve the application pending the requested tweaks.