Car dealership backs out of Wentworth Road spot following delays

“We’ve backed out of it,” said Peter Simmons, the president of Valley Ford, on Feb. 9.

“There were a few too many delays.”

Simmons said it wasn’t any one party’s fault in particular, just that the process was taking too long for that location.

“We’re still looking to come to the area, it just won’t be in that location,” he said. “It’ll be in Windsor.”

When asked if the zoning of the property was part of the issue, Simmons said it did slow the process down.

“We were hoping to be in there sooner than later,” he said. “Things take time, it wasn’t zoned for that use. It’s a process.”

Windsor council discussed changing the zoning of 99 Wentworth Road from general commercial to Wentworth Road commercial, a distinction that would allow for automotive sales on the site, on Jan. 26.

Coun. Laurie Murley said the Town of Windsor received an application from the property owner and Valley Ford, the potential client, to change the zoning.

“The general commercial zoning does not allow automobile sales and services establishments,” Murley said. “To enable Valley Ford to sell vehicles at this location, the change is required.”

Murley said the Planning Advisory Committee discussed the potential impact this could have on neighbouring businesses.

“It was established that the proposed re-zoning… was consistent with relevant policies under the MPS (municipal planning strategy),” she said. “It will fill the vacant commercial property along an important commercial corridor and appropriate site planning will be dealt with during the development application process.”

Murley moved that council give first reading to amend the bylaw and council approved unanimously.

The second reading was expected to take place later this month, but it’s not known if the amendment process will continue without Valley Ford considering that location.