By Geena Monahan—For the North Star Reporter
Officials are weighing a zoning amendment that would prohibit new and used auto dealerships from opening in town, a proposal they say reflects dwindling developable land and concern that a saturation point for these businesses has been reached
“We don’t think it’s the highest and best use of the space that we have,” said Town Manager Michael Borg, pointing to the large parcels and extensive impervious pavement typically associated with dealerships, along with relatively modest job creation.
The amendment, which would revise the zoning bylaw’s Use Schedule B, was first discussed during a Jan. 21 Bylaw Subcommittee meeting. Borg framed the proposal as a long-term land-use issue, noting that North Attleborough already has a concentration of dealerships – notably along Route 1 – and is effectively out of undeveloped commercial land.
“If you drive down South Washington Street, you’ll see a large number of car dealerships,” he said. “We’re saying, ‘We’ve got enough.’”
If adopted, the change would not affect existing dealerships or properties already authorized to sell vehicles, nor would it prevent current owners from expanding or upgrading their facilities through the Planning Board.
“We’re not proposing that current dealerships be changed or removed,” Borg said. “We’re saying we have the right amount.”
Land use, taxes and long-term planning
The proposal mirrors a zoning amendment adopted a few years ago that prohibited new self-storage facilities, another land-intensive use officials said offered limited long-term return.
During the Jan. 21 subcommittee discussion, members questioned whether dealerships — which pay commercial property taxes but no inventory tax — provide sufficient benefit to justify their footprint. Borg said the town receives motor vehicle excise taxes regardless of where a vehicle is purchased and emphasized that the amendment wouldn’t reduce existing tax revenue.
“We’re not trying to reduce or remove current owners,” said Borg. “But we do need to think about how we’re using the land we have left.”
While subcommittee members generally agreed the town has enough large dealerships, concerns emerged about the potential impact on small businesses.
Bylaw Subcommittee Chair Dan Donovan said that while the rationale behind the proposal makes sense, a ban could eliminate flexibility in cases where a dealership might be appropriate.
“Occasionally there are parcels of land where that really might be the highest and best use,” said Donovan, suggesting dealerships be allowed by special permit rather than prohibited outright.
On the other hand, Councilor Laura Wagner cautioned that introducing special permits could undermine long-term planning goals.
“Land is finite,” said Wagner. “These uses take up a lot of space and contribute very little in terms of jobs or revenue. At some point, there should be a limit.”
Borg said the draft would not affect auto repair shops already authorized to sell vehicles, noting that once that right is granted, it stays with the property. He acknowledged concerns about future startups, and said he may return with options that distinguish between large dealerships and accessory vehicle sales.
Debate highlights small-business concerns
The discussion continued at the Jan. 26 Town Council meeting, which focused more on how the amendment could affect small auto repair shops and future entrepreneurs.
Councilor Kevin McCarthy, who has worked in the automotive industry for 27 years, said he supports limiting large dealerships but is uneasy about restricting small operators who rely on used car sales to supplement their income.
“I’m not worried about the big dealerships,” said McCarthy. “I’m worried about the smaller guys — someone trying to get a business going who might need to sell a few cars, especially in the winter months, to get by.”
Councilor John Costello, who co-sponsored the amendment, said he has repeatedly heard complaints from residents about what he described as “dealership fatigue,” particularly along the Route 1 corridor.
“I think this is a way to respond to some of those concerns and get the best use out of the land we still have,” said Costello. “We want to think about what residents want to see, not just more of the same.”
Future development
The debate comes amid heightened public concern over the future of the former First United Methodist Church property – home to a popular sledding hill – at the corner of Route 1 and Hoppin Hill Avenue. The property was purchased by Kevin Meehan, owner of Imperial Cars, who also recently purchased the Patriot Subaru next to the church.
Imperial briefly moved vehicles onto the hill and built a tower topped with a spinning car before the town ordered it removed, fueling speculation that the site could eventually be paved for dealership use.
Borg said that because the zoning amendment has been formally introduced, no new dealership applications may be filed while it is under consideration. He added that because Imperial has not submitted plans for the property, a new dealership would not be permitted there if the amendment is adopted.
He said the town remains open to discussions with property owners. Meehan did not respond to requests from the North Star Reporter for comment on his plans.
Borg said he will return to the Bylaw Subcommittee at its Feb. 4 meeting with additional information, including the number of new and used car dealerships currently operating in town, along with additional data requested by subcommittee members.
“What we’re really out of is developable space,” said Borg. “That’s the root of the problem.”