Wheaton fighting to keep car dealer

Wheaton officials are eyeing changes to city codes to keep Packey Webb's car dealership in the community.

At least two councilmen on Monday night expressed support for the changes despite some concerns.

"It sets the bar high, where I'd like it," Councilman Howard Levine said, referring to the changes.

The proposed amendments would allow for used car dealerships in the city, but only if they meet certain criteria. The dealership property must be at least 4 acres and it must provide service and repairs to vehicles.

Levine said he was "comfortable" with the proposal because most used car dealers would not meet the criteria, nor the standards that Packey Webb is trying to achieve.

The council reviewed the regulations after learning that Packey Webb violated city codes when it began selling only used cars on its Roosevelt Road lot.

City regulations require that any car dealership sell both new and used vehicles. The proposed changes would bring the dealership into compliance with local laws and allow for more used car lots to potentially open.

"I'm concerned about it, but I think it is appropriate to give them some concessions since they've been good corporate citizens," Councilman John Prendiville said.

Prendiville remains concerned with the likely lower revenues generated by a used car lot, compared to a new car dealership. But, with the slow economic times, it would be difficult to find a dealership to replace Packey Webb if the operation pulled up stakes completely, Prendiville said.

"We want to ensure Roosevelt Road maintains in the highest state that we can because that is a gateway to the city," Prendiville said.

Packey Webb representatives did not attend the meeting, but an Oct. 30 letter written by J. Bradley Webb indicated a desire "to maintain a strong presence in Wheaton."

The letter also mentioned plans for the addition of an independent tire and auto center at the Wheaton site.

A public hearing on the proposed code changes will be held before the city council takes an official vote.