Neighbors Say Another Car Wash on Colorado Boulevard Not a Good Idea

In correspondence with the Board of Zoning of Appeals (BOZA), local residents living near the site of a proposed car wash said that the business would negatively impact their quality of life.

The BOZA is scheduled to hear a call for review on a conditional use permit (CUP) for the proposed Wild Wash Express car wash, which would be built at 2030 E. Colorado Blvd.

“As a neighbor to the proposed Car Wash at 2030 E. Colorado, I must go on record that such a business will adversely impact our residential neighborhood, specifically on both [South] San Marino and [South] Berkeley Avenues and the area in general — ingress and egress on Colorado Blvd,” said Eileen Williamson.

“Customers will use both these residential streets as feeders to the car wash as well as back up and block traffic on Colorado. This is not a good use for this site and will negatively impact our quality of life,” Williamson wrote. “Please don’t allow this to happen!”

Critics of the proposal have said there are already more than a half-dozen car washes nearby.

“We need to stop this nonsense,” wrote Victoria Benitez. “Traffic is already a nightmare in Pasadena. What about noise and pollution?”

As part of the project, four buildings would be demolished, an existing driveway approach on East Colorado Boulevard would be removed, two approaches on San Marino Avenue would be modified, a 3,490 square-foot car wash tunnel along the East Colorado Boulevard frontage would be constructed, two queuing lanes would be built to allow vehicles to make payment at a new 75 square-foot kiosk prior to entering the car wash tunnel, and two vacuum equipment structures of 168 and 212 square feet in the parking lot would be built.

An existing 2,580 square-foot equipment and storage building would be renovated, 32 parking spaces behind the new car wash tunnel with 30 self-serve vacuums and two for employee use would be created, three solar canopies would be constructed over parking spaces in the parking lot, an 8-foot block wall at the rear of the property would be built, and an existing 2,580 square-foot equipment and storage building would also be renovated. 

Various site improvements would include landscaping, paving and striping.

“We feel this redundant car wash needs to be rejected,” said Brandi Garris. “Customers will use both our streets as feeders to the car wash and negatively impact our quality of life. Also of concern to us is the proximity of the site to Hamilton Elementary School. As the parent of a Hamilton student, the thought of having all these extra cars hanging around an elementary school makes me nervous and quite uncomfortable. Please don’t allow this to destroy the calm of our peaceful neighborhood and put pedestrians, children and pets at risk.”

On Nov. 18, the city Hearing Officer approved a CUP for the property that is presently vacant and occupied by five buildings previously occupied by a business dealing with vehicle services, sales and leasing.

In response to public comments, the Hearing Officer added four conditions in order to address concerns related to traffic along San Marino Avenue and noise from the vacuums along the southern property line.

A site attendant would be required to direct on-site traffic to ensure that no vehicles block the sidewalk and no vehicle queues on the public right of way. In addition, vehicular traffic exiting the site would be restricted to left-turn only (toward Colorado Boulevard) to limit the cars traveling toward the residential properties to the south. 

As it relates to the vacuums located at the parking spaces along the southern property line, the machines would be used only between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. and limited to only when customer demand would necessitate their use.

The property is located within the East Colorado Specific Plan, the Route 66 area, where a car wash may be allowed with the approval of a CUP, according to a city staff report. 

“There is a car wash just a few blocks on East Colorado,” said Elizabeth Hammond. “Why do we need another jumbo car wash so close? Who is thinking this plan through? Property values would suffer with all of the congestion and cars speeding up and down the streets. I have had to speak with Rusnak management several times regarding fast cars coming out of their service facility. With a car wash clogging up the neighborhood streets, safety would further be compromised. Please consider the impact on the residents in the neighborhood. This is not a good location for a car wash. Please do not allow this plan to go forward.”  

The meeting begins at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 18. It can be viewed at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84670638801.