City Engineer in preliminary talks with Drive & Shine over utility connections and Oak Drive traffic impact

City Engineer Dan Sellers has entered into preliminary discussions with the new Drive and Shine car wash at the corner of U.S. 30 and Oak Drive regarding the connection of utilities to the property — a project that will require significant work along Oak Drive and is expected to impact traffic in the area.

Sellers told the Plymouth Board of Public Works and Safety that the utility connection will require digging a trench across a fair amount of Oak Drive to reach the water main and sewer lines, which run beneath the asphalt. In addition to the utility work, Drive and Shine will be required to rebuild the curb and shift its driveway entrance to the south, all of which will restrict traffic on Oak Drive during construction.

Mayor Listenberger asked whether Drive and Shine would be responsible for traffic control during the lane restrictions. Sellers confirmed that the business will submit a traffic control plan that meets the city's standards before work begins.

Councilman Duane Culp raised questions about a smaller brick building situated out front of the main structures, expressing concern that it may sit too close to the road and block the line of sight for vehicles exiting the property. He was told the building houses the vacuum system used by customers to sweep out their cars. City Attorney Jeff Houin noted that the Board of Zoning Appeals had granted Drive and Shine a setback variance for the building.

Sellers did not believe the building would obstruct the view, noting that there would be enough space to install a sidewalk along Oak Drive. He also pointed out that vehicles would not always be parked at the vacuum station, as it is designed for quick use. Sellers said he would review the plans again to ensure there is a good line of sight for exiting traffic.

Councilman Don Ecker asked about the relocation of the driveway and was told it will be moved to the south, lining up across from the private access street to Aldi on the opposite side of Oak Drive.

Culp also inquired about the easement on the north side of the property that provides access to Union Wellness Boutique at the rear. Sellers explained that Andy Beckmann, the owner of the rear property, is adamant about keeping the existing easement, while Drive and Shine had wanted to allow a different access point to the property. At this time, the easement road to the west property will have a curb installed on the south side by Drive and Shine, but the north side of the easement road will remain in its existing condition.

The discussions remain in the preliminary stages as the city and Drive and Shine work through the details of the utility connections, traffic control, and property access arrangements.