LAKEWOOD - Lawrence Spacciapolli hasn't decided what his next move will be for the property located across from Wal-Mart.
On Monday, the Lakewood Village Board unanimously voted down the special-use permit application for a used-car lot at 373 E. Fairmount Ave., Lakewood, submitted by Spacciapolli. Spacciapolli operates Larry Spacc auto dealers. The third-generation family business, which has been in operation since 1956, has auto sales lots in Dunkirk and Westfield.
Spacciapolli's proposal was to establish a used-car lot at the corner of Fairmount and Fairdale avenues. The board discussed the proposal during three meetings before deciding to reject the special-use permit application.
Throughout the process, each board member said they had heard from several residents voicing their displeasure about the proposal for a car lot at the location, which is the former spot of Carnahans Clothing Company. One concern dealt with safety because it is a busy intersection. Another question was whether it is the best spot for a car dealership, or if maybe the land would be better suited for a different business. Board members had suggested to Spacciapolli a better location for the used-car lot maybe further west on Fairmount Avenue where other car dealerships are located.
On Friday, Spacciapolli told The Post-Journal he would not consider another location in Lakewood. Spacciapolli said the site's future is up in the air.
''I don't know yet. I haven't decided,'' Spacciapolli said.
As for fighting the board's decision, the car dealer again said he didn't know if that would be his next move.
''We haven't really thought about it that much with the holidays,'' he said.
Spacciapolli also said he doesn't know if he will consider another municipality in the south part of the county for a used-car lot.
''I haven't decided yet,'' he said about a used-car lot in Jamestown or a neighboring area.