By Audrey Levine Staff Writer
Despite questions over whether a local car dealership is following borough regulations concerning selling merchandise outside, the owner himself says he is taking all necessary steps to get approval to do so.
At the May 27 Borough Council meeting, one resident questioned whether the Manville Hand Car Wash and Detail, on Dukes Parkway, had gotten permission to sell its vehicles on the lot outside the actual building.
According to Councilman Steve Szabo, the business was told it could not have its cars on the hill outside, but did anyway even through it has not yet gotten approval from the Board of Adjustment to move forward with this form of selling. He said the owner of the business is currently in the process of preparing a presentation for the Board of Adjustment concerning the cars.
”Apparently he’s doing everything before the paperwork is approved,” Councilman Ted Petrock said. “He’s going to the zoning board for what he wants, but is not following the order of things.”
Mr. Szabo said, in a separate interview, that the business was also told not to place the cars near the curb, and has been cited twice in the past for doing so.
”He’s been operating with no permits, and that’s my complaint,” he said.
On the other hand, Abdel Aboelatta, owner of the Manville Hand Car Wash and Detail, said that he was told by the state that he could have his cars outside, and showcase them, as long as he does not put up any outdoor signs advertising them.
”I have the permit for the inside showroom,” he said. “I need a permit to sell the cars outside.”
Mr. Aboelatta said he has already registered with the State of New Jersey as a car dealer and, in May, submitted site plans for the business. He said he was then told that he could have his cars outside the property so long as he did not put up any “For Sale” signs.
”The state lets me show the cars indoors and outdoors,” he said.
Mr. Aboelatta said he is scheduled to go before the Board of Adjustment on June 11 to apply for the permit to sell the vehicles outside.
Still, Mr. Szabo said, he is not aware of any other approval given to Mr. Aboelatta to display the vehicles outside.
”It was never brought before this mayor and council,” he said.
