ZBA Postpones Action on Car Wash Variances

A scheduled showdown on Splash Car Wash's controversial proposal to relocate its Bedford Hills operations was abruptly scrubbed Wednesday while county planners review the move.

When Splash lost its lease in 2010, the car wash asked to cross from its longtime home at 527 North Bedford Road to the former site of a Carvel’s franchise at 570 North Bedford. The move required action by Bedford’s planning board and zoning board of appeals before Splash could set up shop.

Nearby residents have objected, however, citing multiple traffic, safety and noise concerns if the onetime soft-ice cream sales site becomes a high-volume car wash. Plans calls for curb cuts to be eliminated on North Bedford Road, also known as busy Route 117. As a result, traffic would enter and leave the facility via a quiet side street, Valerio Court, which slopes up to the cluster of neighborhood homes.

The zoning board was expected to act tonight on Splash’s appeals for parking and fence variances. Approval would be the last ZBA hurdle and clear the way for final planning board action on the car wash’s site plan. But ZBA Chairman David Menken said before Wednesday’s meeting that Splash representatives had requested a delay pending county review of the proposal. 

Related stories:

New Car Wash OKd for Splash's Bedford Hills Site

Neighbors Protest Car Wash Plans

Letter to the Editor: New Car Wash Site Presents Dangers