DEERFIELD TWP. — The zoning commission today will consider a proposal by Virginia-based CarMax Auto Superstores Inc. to build a used-car facility at Mason-Montgomery Road and Parkway Drive.

        CarMax is seeking a conditional use permit for a 16-acre site that previously was earmarked for medical use. The proposal is opposed by planning staff.

        The centerpiece of the project is a 57,000-square-foot building that includes a showroom and offices, said Joseph L. Trauth Jr., an attorney representing CarMax. The facility would be built between the Amerisuites Hotel and the Health Alliance of Greater Cincinnati.

        Zoning and Planning Director Tim Hershner said his staff expects to recommend to the zoning commission that CarMax not be built at the proposed location on Mason-Montgomery Road, mostly because the original intent of the site was for a medical facility.

        CarMax originally wanted to locate at Kings Auto Mall in Deerfield Township, but the company needed more room. Now, CarMax wants to be near Kings Auto Mall because it's a major source of business for the company, which sells late model used vehicles.

        “We believe that the use is very appropriate for that area for a number of reasons,“ Mr. Trauth said. “One, it is a very low traffic generator and it generates most of its customers in the evenings and on weekends when the traffic is the lightest. Also, CarMax in other cities has fit in very nicely in areas like this where you've got mixed uses such as office (and) retail.”

        CarMax is proposing to install a fountain and benches at the entrance to the facility. The matter will be discussed at the 9 p.m. meeting at Landen Square, 3292 U.S. Route 22/3.

City council, mayor say more gets done under new system
'Strong mayor' settling in
Secrecy complaints increasing
Developer holds land county wants
Prayers ask for race settlement
Special cooking at late eatery
Family away when tree crashes home
Man dead, sister jailed
City, hotels split over tax proposal
Glendale raises water, sewage charges
Monroe votes on school plan today
CarMax wants permit to build lot
Nader: Citizens can bring change
Open house draws crowd at crematory
Teachers open to Dragonfly
Kentucky briefs
Tristate A.M. report
Some Good News
You Asked For It