Photo by Eric Ayres Wheeling Planning Commission members William Schwarz, Chairman Michael Baum and Howard Monroe review proposed site plans for a new project Monday night in city council chambers.

WHEELING – Members of the Wheeling Planning Commission on Monday night reviewed and approved a site plan for the expansion of Elm Grove Dodge’s lot for vehicle inventory.

The site plan review was the only significant business on Monday night’s agenda, and all members of the commission in attendance during the regular monthly meeting supported the proposal.

Officials noted that Mull Avenue, a partially paved and deteriorating lane that looks more like a driveway from National Road to an empty grass field just west of the dealership, leads to the property where the proposed lot will be built.

“That street was abandoned by city council about a year ago,” Wheeling Building and Planning Director Brenda J. Delbert said.

The lane abandonment was done at the request of Straub Automotive for future expansion. Last year, Delbert noted the property was already zoned for commercial use, and Councilman Dave Palmer, who represents the Elm Grove neighborhood, spoke in support of the redevelopment.

Don Steen, president of Commercial Contract Services LLC, attended Monday night’s meeting to present the plan on behalf of the dealership. Steen said his company has served as general contractor for Straub Automotive dealerships since 2008.

“We’re proposing this parking lot expansion so they can have some more room for inventory and additional parking,” Steen said. “It’s basically just a paved lot.”

Steen said four additional light poles will be installed in the middle of the expanded area. Two more light poles will be placed near the drive with shields to prevent light spillover onto neighboring properties. Pine trees will also be planted as a buffer. He said about 21 to 23 trees will be installed, along with a six-foot white vinyl privacy fence separating the lot from the nearby residential area.

The property is adjacent to a lane off Webster Avenue and is closest to garages located along the rear of Webster Avenue properties. Two houses are also near the proposed lot.

Delbert noted that a stormwater management plan was included in the development submission. She added that there will be no curb stops or painted lines on the new asphalt lot, as it is intended for inventory storage rather than public parking.

“It’s not a traditional parking lot open to the public, it’s more for inventory,” Delbert said.

City officials approved the site plan for the dealership’s expansion to accommodate additional vehicle inventory on the adjacent site.

Monday’s meeting was the first in which Planning Commission member Michael Baum presided as chairman. The board is expected to meet on the second Tuesday of May for its next regular monthly meeting.