Council denies new Hazzard Auto Repair

Sussex County Council said no to a new automotive repair shop near Lewes, drawing applause from residents gathered to oppose the project.

Council voted 3-2 Tuesday, Sept. 28, to deny a conditional-use application, which would have allowed Savannah Road-based Hazzard Auto Repair to open a new shop in rural Lewes, near the intersection of Conley’s Chapel and Wil King roads.

Councilwoman Joan Deaver voted to deny the conditional use, citing reasons forwarded by the planning and zoning commission. Hazzard’s plans were inconsistent with the agricultural and residential character of the surrounding lands, planners wrote, adding the property is cluttered and unsightly.

Vice President George Cole and Councilman Mike Vincent voted with Deaver. Councilman Sam Wilson and President Vance Phillips voted to approve the application.

“I don’t believe this is an application that would create any major hardships,” Phillips said.

Some area residents disagreed. At a June council meeting, roughly 75 people filled chambers to protest the proposed expansion, which would enlarge an existing block building on the property for repairing and maintaining classic cars and street rods.

Michael Hazzard, owner, said he was treated unfairly.

“Planning and zoning didn’t really give a good reason why I couldn’t have the shop there; just they felt there wasn’t a need for another auto repair shop in the area,” he said. As for the clutter, he said, he’s been cleaning that up for years. “I have proof of Dumpsters being delivered and stuff being hauled out,” he said.

James Fuqua, Hazzard’s attorney, said any hardships would only affect members of the Hazzard family, who own the surrounding 22 acres of farmland.

In an attempt to appease residents, Hazzard cut his project from 2.4 acres to 1. Residents still opposed the development. Hazzard said area residents were unreasonably concerned about their property values being affected by his project.

“One lady’s statement was, she doesn’t want me to ruin her property value, because she’s giving that to her kids for inheritance,” he said. “Well, what about my kids’ inheritance? Does that matter?”

Hazzard declined to comment on whether he would appeal council’s decision to the board of adjustment.