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Carwash builder jumps gun on tree removal
(by Sali McSherry - July 28, 2010)
Carwash builder jumps gun on tree removal
By SALI McSHERRY
Waterway Gas and Wash Co. jumped the gun early this month by cutting more than 20 trees, Mayor Bruce H. Akers said Tuesday. However, an agreement to plant 24 evergreen trees as a buffer has been made, he said.
It was an oversight on the part of the company, Waterway Vice President Michael Goldman said.
Last year, the company purchased the former BP gas station at 30299 Chagrin Blvd. at Lander Circle.
The company plans to operate a full-service carwash, five pumps with 10 fueling stations and a retail store that will feature a gift and greeting-card section in addition to typical convenience snacks and beverages and newsstand, Mr. Goldman said.
Crews cleared deciduous trees before a permit was approved for a tree plan, Mr. Akers said.
Waterway is on planning and zoning commission agenda for Aug. 1. Waterway also is seeking a sign variance.
The evergreens that will be planted will be eight to 10 feet tall, Mr. Goldman said.
The cleared trees were well within Waterway's property, Mr. Akers said, and in the way of constructing the building for the flow of traffic through the wash. Office building owners on the north and west have been notified and are in agreement with the plan to plant the evergreens on the north and west sides of the property, Mr. Akers said.
Three other trees were cleared because they were in the way, he said, but no other trees will be cut before planning commission approval.
Work was stopped for a few days after city Building Inspector Nino Monaco discovered the issue, but work resumed last week, Mr. Akers said.
The plan is to open in December, Mr. Goldman had said.
There will be a double lane of cars that will flow into the neck of the carwash, Mr. Goldman had said, with a capacity of about 20 vehicles. The cars are moved into the carwash by attendants very quickly, less than 30 seconds between them, he said. Vacuuming and other services are done following the wash, so there will be no wait time prior to entering the wash, Mr. Goldman said.
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