MONROE, CT — Miro Motors plans to open a repair shop and used car sales business at Bart Center, 604 Main St. A hearing on a special permit application will be held during the Planning and Zoning Commission’s meeting this Thursday in the Council Chamber of Monroe Town Hall at 7 p.m.
Firas Samander, owner and operator of Miro Motors LLC, wrote an open letter to town residents expressing his enthusiasm over the proposal, which is on file with the application at Monroe Town Hall.
“I am thrilled to share my proposal to establish a repair shop with used car sales as an accessory use at 604 Main Street,” he wrote. “Our vision is to provide a one-stop solution for your automotive needs, offering reliable repairs and a curated selection of quality used cars.”
Previously, neighbors of the property, which is also listed as 590 Main St. in the application, expressed strong opposition to a plan for CM Collision Repair to open there, because that use is only allowed in an Industrial-2 Zone, and the Main Street property is in close proximity to the west branch of the Pequonnock River.
First Selectman Terry Rooney worked with Town Attorney Frank Lieto to clear up the issue and after Lieto penned a legal opinion, the business owner, Luis Alfredo Retamoza, decided to find a new location for his auto collision repair shop.
By contrast, Miro Motors’ proposed use of general auto repair is a pre-existing nonconforming use at 604 Main St., which is in a Business-1 Zone.
“… establishing a repair shop in Monroe is a strategic venture poised to meet the community’s automotive needs,” Samander wrote. “With a well-researched market analysis showcasing a demand for reliable repair services, our team’s expertise, and a commitment to exceptional customer service, this endeavor not only addresses a local need but also contributes to the economic growth of Monroe.”
“We look forward to your support in bringing this vision to fruition, fostering a thriving and trusted automotive service hub for the residents of Monroe,” he closed. “There will be no changes made to the facility and will operate based on its current structure.”
Self storage facility
This Thursday, the Planning and Zoning Commission will also have a hearing for a regulation amendment petition to establish a Special Design District within the Main Street Design District Overlay at 515-517. The hearing is continued from Jan. 18.
The SDD would allow a self storage facility to be built there and conceptual plans show the construction of two buildings, which would require a separate approval if the SDD is established.
For the complete meeting agenda, which also includes a link to attend online, click here.
All respectful comments with the commenter’s first and last name are welcome.
There will be changes. The business is looking for a change to the zoning to accommodate a used car sales lot in addition to the auto repair. The”grandfathered” property does not allow this as it was only for auto repair and the number of cars parked outside was restricted. The neighbors are in opposition to a used car lot on the corner given the number of cars parked outside of the business and the proximity to residential property. It is an eyesore – not to mention the number of cars sales already in business on Main St.