Main Street car sales approved

Findlay City Planning Commission gave a zoning-related approval Thursday allowing the re-establishment of a used car sales business on North Main Street. Justin Lobdell, of 352 Midland Ave., plans to sell used cars at the former Snyder's Auto Mart, at 208 N. Main St. But he won't be able to cram as many cars on the small lot as the former business did. The planning commission stipulated the lot have no more than 30 cars – including two for employees and three for customers. With the city this week unveiling plans for a park nearby – including a skate park, gardens, shelter houses, picnic areas, a "playable" fountain area and an amphitheater – aesthetics are a concern. The old Snyder sign near Main Street must be removed. Any new sign will have to be farther from the street. The planning commission's approval was conditional and can be revoked if Lobdell does not meet city standards. Separately, the planning commission approved plans for construction of a 28,000-square-foot building, enabling the expansion of Dick's Auto Salvage, at 4404 Allen Township Road 142, between County Road 99 and Township Road 107. The owner of the business, Erik Stearns, plans to break ground for the building in a few weeks and have it completed by year-end. He has 41 employees at the Allen Township location, and would like to add five to seven more.