Car Wash to Replace Former 99 Restaurant

Russell Speeder's Car Wash designed presented to PZC at its Sept. 25 meeting.

The Enfield Planning and Zoning Commission has approved a Russell Speeder's Car Wash at the former site of the 99 Restaurant and Pub, located at the corner of Hazard Avenue and Freshwater Boulevard. The existing restaurant building, vacant for years, will be demolished to make way for a car wash and vacuum station area

Two-Step Approval Process

The project advanced in two stages. In April, the Norwalk-based company sought a zoning text amendment to allow car washes in the Business Regional (BR) zone, which covers shopping centers such as the Stop & Shop plaza. Until then, car washes were only permitted in the Business General (BG) zone.

The amendment was approved on a 5–2 vote, but only after debate. One commissioner warned of a potential “proliferation” of car washes, noting Enfield already has two on Elm Street. To address that concern, the commission added a requirement that car washes in BR zones must be at least 1,000 feet apart.

There was also discussion about whether a car wash fit the intent of the BR zone, which also allows higher-end retail uses. It was pointed out that the zone already permits gas stations and auto repair with special permits, and that the Stop & Shop plaza already has two auto-related uses, a gas station and Advance Auto Parts.

Final Approval Last Week

Russell Speeder returned to the PZC on September 25 for site plan and special permit approval. The proposal won approval on a 5–1 vote, with one abstention. Opponents raised concerns about the layout and internal traffic circulation.