A proposed automated car wash on Route 58 and Pulaski Street in Riverhead is facing pushback from local residents and competing businesses. At a public hearing held by the Riverhead Town Board, concerns were raised about traffic congestion and market saturation.
The applicant, 1535 Old Country Rd, LLC, plans to demolish a house and barn to construct a 3,809-square-foot automated car wash facility. The design includes automated pay stations, vacuum areas, a paved parking lot, and access points from Pulaski Street, the Pulaski Street extension connecting to Route 58, and a shared access route with the neighboring Riverhead Bay Motors.
Local car wash owner Patrick Marron of Riverhead Auto Wash and Detailing argued that the area, with four existing car washes within a 1.8-mile stretch of Route 58, is already saturated. He disputed the applicant’s claim of only three nearby car washes, pointing to a car wash at Apple Honda, which the applicant countered is not open to the public.
Traffic impact was another key concern. While the applicant’s traffic engineer, Walter Dunn, projected a minimal increase in traffic—between 2% and 3.5% more cars per hour—residents and neighboring businesses expressed skepticism.
Attorney Charles Cuddy, representing the applicant, emphasized the proposed car wash’s fully automated nature as a distinguishing factor from existing businesses. He also noted that the project requires meeting 18 conditions for a special permit, excluding economic considerations.
Riverhead Bay Motors representatives voiced strong objections to the proposed shared access road. Attorney Martin Finnegan, representing Riverhead Bay Motors’ property owner, Riverhead Pooh LLC, highlighted a prior agreement for cross-access only “if deemed necessary,” arguing against its necessity in this case. He suggested alternative routes for customers heading to nearby businesses like Lowe’s or Chipotle.
Concerns about traffic safety were echoed by Riverhead Bay Motors General Manager Anthony Maura, citing increased traffic and speeding through their parking lot since the opening of Chipotle.
Potential operator of the proposed car wash, Al Carrabis, who owns 26 car washes across Long Island, downplayed competition concerns. He argued that the average person visits a car wash only twice a year and that his fully automated facility would not directly compete with Mr. Marron’s full-service car wash and detailing business. He also corroborated the claim that Apple Honda’s car wash is not publicly accessible.
Dispute arose regarding the future of a car wash at a recently acquired Mobil station. While Mr. Carrabis stated that the new owner, Bolla Oil, doesn’t operate car washes, Bolla Oil representative Phil Hayes confirmed their intention to maintain and upgrade the existing car wash.
A resident of Pulaski Street, Joe Zaremba, attributed part of the traffic problem to Riverhead Bay Motors’ car transport trucks unloading vehicles on the street. Mr. Maura explained that the trucks might not fit on their lot, prompting Councilwoman Jodi Giglio to request unloading vehicles within their lot to avoid obstructing public streets.
In conclusion, the proposed Car Wash In Riverhead faces significant hurdles due to opposition from existing businesses and residents concerned about increased traffic and market saturation. The Riverhead Town Board will need to carefully consider these concerns before making a decision on the special permit and site plan approval.
