The location of a proposed new auto body shop in Tucker. Image obtained via Google Maps
By Logan C. Ritchie
A new auto repair and maintenance shop may soon open on Northlake Parkway after Tucker Planning Commission last week voted to recommend approval of a special land use permit (SLUP).
Plans to open Auto MD at 2101 Northlake Parkway, the former site of Enterprise Rent-A-Car, were presented by applicant John Barikos.
Adding a fifth auto sales and services business would result in a disproportionate number of similar sites, according to city staff. Nearby businesses include Zip Tire at the current property, DeKalb Tire at 2089 Northlake Parkway, Take 5 Oil Change at 4303 LaVista Road, and Firestone at 2066 Northlake Parkway. Take 5 and Firestone are less than 1,000 feet from the proposed site.
The matter will come before Tucker City Council on Aug. 9 for a first read and public hearing.
City staff originally denied the request because the lot is too small, the proposed use is not compliant with NL-1 zoning for high-intensity commercial, traffic flow needs to be redesigned and the ingress/egress is inadequate. Auto MD would share a 5,200‐square foot building with Zip Tire, an existing tire retail space. Zip Tire has two bays, but on‐site tire installation is not permitted per their OTC, according to city documents.
At the July 12 city council meeting, Courtney Smith, planning and zoning director, presented a first read of an amendment to the city’s zoning ordinance for auto businesses. The amendment calls for changes to improve safety with guidance on vehicle storage, sales and brokerage, environmental concerns and accessibility for emergency vehicles. A second read will take place Aug. 9.
Read the original story on tuckerobserver.com.
