Planning Commission approves Permit for SP Collision Center
March 30, 2016
By Peggy Kelly
Santa Paula News
The tradition of an automotive business next to the historic Glen Tavern Inn will continue with a body shop but the latest occupant will open the showroom to Cruise Nite and also be selling custom and other vehicles.
The Planning Commission considered a Conditional Use Permit for Santa Paula Collision Center at the March 22 meeting.
The two-story, 8,000 square foot building, located at 118 N. Mill Street, lastly was occupied by the Rescue Mission, which used the facility to rehab donated vehicles from 1993 to 2010.
According to the report by Associate Planner Nick Doberneck, the structure has been used for automotive related purposes since about 1910.
During public comment Sheryl Hamlin asked the impact of the business on The Glen Tavern and questioned operations specifically on wedding busy Saturdays.
Commissioners John Demers and Fred Wacker also voiced concerns about an automobile collision center next to The Glen Tavern Inn.
Demers noted the business would be “sandwiched between the Inn — one of the few destinations we have in the city — and the Downtown…as the city evolves we want to have the highest and best use of that property.”
Conditions set by the city said Doberneck, “Are in there to help maintain compatibility with surrounding businesses…”
Commissioner Fred Robinson said he remembered the building as a dealership “and one of the exciting events in town was coming Downtown,” to watch the delivery of new models.
“Historically it is something that has happened downtown,” for generations, although “Would I prefer that an auto repair be in an industrial area and away from The Glen Tavern Inn?
“Yes,” said Robinson but the location has always been approved for an automotive related business.
And, he added, “The folks have invested quite a bit there,” in rehabilitating the building and grounds.
“Overall, the existing situation is an eyesore,” and Commissioner Mike Sommer told the applicant “I commend you to take on the job to improve it…”
There were suggestions from commissioners and further questions for the applicant, Sean Oliver who noted he spoke to Rosanna Jennet, owner of the Inn.
“She’s come down and loves what we’re doing,” said Oliver. “We want to complement the Inn,” with improvements to the auto shop.
“We want to open up for Cruise Nite, let people come in,” to look at the cars at the facility — which has a water-based paint spray booth already approved by the county — and perhaps said Oliver, even play some pool.
Specific improvements will replace the chained link fence, landscape upgrades and planting trees.
“You have a business elsewhere?” asked Commission Chair Ike Ikerd.
Oliver said he owns two body shops, one in Pasadena and the other in North Hollywood.
Compatibility is an issue said Ikerd but “I also notice buildings in the city that have no business…and I think this would improve that street.
“Frankly, this town is big on automobiles,” with many citizens owning and showing cars.
Added Ikerd, “I think it’s good to have more business in Santa Paula…”
The full commission approved the application.
