Natick Paves Way for Car Sales Bylaw

More mini auto dealers like Tesla Motors in the Natick Mall may soon come to town after residents approved amending the zoning by-law on limited salesrooms for motor vehicles during Day 1 of Fall Town Meeting.

Accoring to Planning Board member Julian Munnich, in 2001 the town amended the bylaws to prohibit sales of motor vehicles in three districts known as the Golden Triangle area near the mall.

"The reason was the town was looking to be a generator of taxes and jobs, and historically motor vehicle sales chew up land and (don't generate) enough taxes," he said. "

Article 5 will create a new use with only four cars allowed in a showroom, and no on-site repairs, not excluded to overlay areas.

The granting of a special permit to allow a showroom will be tied to a site plan review process. 

"Is the parcel conducive to the use? Health, safety, noise pollution?" Munnich explained.

Dealerships will be able to apply for a Class 1 sales license, which allows sales of new cars and trade-ins. Cars bought at auction will not be allowed to be sold at the site.

The motion passed by 2/3 vote.