The Worthington City Council is poised to consider approval of a conditional use permit for a new automotive repair facility at the old Runnings site on Humiston Avenue.
During a Tuesday evening meeting, the Worthington Planning Commission recommended approval of the CUP application by KLJ Engineering, submitted on behalf of Les Schwab Tire Centers. The property is currently zoned ‘B-3’ General Business District, and city code states that automotive repair services are allowed in the B-3 District by conditional use permit only.
If council members agree with the Planning Commission’s recommendation and approve the CUP, the existing building at the site would be demolished and replaced with a new facility. That structure would include six garage bays as well as an exterior area with overhead roof that would allow workers to change a tire and send a large vehicle or trailer on its way.
Approval of the conditional use permit includes conditions that the applicant obtain approval from the Minnesota Department of Transportation for a change in access from the frontage road. The commission also requested that vegetative screening be placed along the east side of the property.
Plans for the new Les Schwab Tire Centers site also include a fully enclosed roofless “bullpen” structure where used tires will be stored temporarily before being discarded. This structure, the Planning Commission specified, should be built with masonry blocks as part of the CUP recommendation.
Council will likely consider the CUP request during its regular meeting scheduled for July 24.
