The Hastings City Council unanimously approved a special use permit Monday, July 20, allowing a new locally operated automobile repair business to open in the former Hastings Cinema building on South Frontage Road.
The permit authorizes Juan Rios Martinez to operate an automobile repair facility in Unit 140 at 1325 South Frontage Road, a 3,250-square-foot tenant space within the multi-tenant commercial building formerly occupied by the Hastings Cinema. The Planning Commission previously recommended approval on a unanimous 7-0 vote following a public hearing at which no comments were received.
Community Development Intern Natalie Rogus presented the request to the council, explaining that the property is zoned C-4 Regional Shopping Center, where automobile repair businesses are allowed through a special use permit. She noted the proposal is consistent with the city's 2040 Comprehensive Plan and that the business would focus on light automotive maintenance rather than heavy repair work.
"The proposed use is consistent with both our comprehensive plan and the zoning ordinance," Rogus said.
She explained that the business will occupy only one tenant space within the existing building and requires only interior improvements, including installation of vehicle hoists, oil storage equipment, ventilation systems and related mechanical upgrades. No building additions or significant exterior changes are planned. The permit includes several conditions, including prohibiting outdoor storage of inoperable or unlicensed vehicles and limiting the permit to the single tenant space.
During council discussion, members focused on how the business would operate and whether vehicle storage could become an issue.
Councilmember Dawn Marie Vihrachoff asked how the owners intended to avoid accumulating numerous vehicles on the property.
Rogus responded that the shop's business model centers on quick-turnaround repairs.
"They do want to keep it to those quicker repairs," she said, adding that only a small number of vehicles would typically be on site at one time.
Councilmember Lisa Leifeld said the property's layout naturally provides room for limited overflow if a vehicle must remain overnight while being repaired.
"It's not like all of a sudden we're going to have ... all these extra cars," Leifeld said. "I'm excited to see this."
She also welcomed the new business owners.
"What a wonderful business to start a new generation," she said. "I would urge everyone to check them out and support them."
Councilmember Angie Haus also welcomed the new shop.
"I'm so grateful for your continuation of your business in town," she said. "I'm glad to hear of a speedy service, too."
Councilmember Mya Beck asked whether the business would resemble a quick-service oil change operation or a traditional repair garage.
Business partner Tracy Burley explained the shop will provide light automotive repair including brakes, suspension work and oil changes, but not a high-volume, drive-through operation.
"It's going to be light automotive repair," Burley said. "Not like Jiffy Lube oil changes where we'll have 100 of them coming in one day — just for our customers as a courtesy."
Burley said he and Martinez have worked together for more than 20 years and chose Hastings because Martinez already has an established customer base in the community.
Following discussion, the council unanimously approved the permit.
The approval includes several conditions, including requiring all applicable building and fire permits, limiting the business to Unit 140, prohibiting outdoor storage of disabled vehicles and requiring the business to begin operations within one year or the permit will expire.
The council also unanimously approved its consent agenda, including several routine items.
Among the actions:
• Accepted an anonymous donation of a griddle, four skateboards and two children's bicycles to be used as prizes during the Hastings Police Department's National Night Out celebration at Lions Park.
• Accepted a $300 donation from Steve Benowitz of Green to Go for the Hastings Fire Department and ambulance service.
• Approved Change Order No. 3 for the Central Water Treatment Plant raw watermain project, adding $11,949 for storm sewer improvements at Seventh and Prairie streets and additional traffic control on North Frontage Road. The project change orders remain only about 0.1 percent above the original contract value.
• Appointed an additional election judge for the Aug. 11 state primary election.
• Approved a joint powers agreement with Dakota County governing post-election reviews following future state general elections, with costs incurred only if a Hastings precinct is selected for review.