LA PALMA : Council Extends Permit for Carwash

The City Council has extended for two months the permit for a new carwash to be built on the northwest corner of Walker Street and Crescent Avenue.

The council, at its Tuesday meeting, approved the request after receiving written assurances that the carwash developer, Ahmad Cahla, has adequate financing. The council, acting in its role as the Planning Commission on May 2, had delayed approval of Cahla’s request. Some council members criticized Cahla’s delay in building the carwash and said they wanted proof he had financing before granting him a permit extension.

Cahla first received City Council permission for the car wash in 1992. He said the recession had hampered his efforts to obtain financing and prevented him from proceeding with the project.

But in papers submitted to the city this month, Cahla said he now has loans and is ready to start construction.

A council motion on Tuesday initially called for a 90-day extension for Cahla, but it was amended to 60 days. Councilwoman Eva G. Miner said this reduction of time was “mean-spirited.” She abstained on the final vote, and the 60-day extension passed 4 to 0.

During the debate, city officials said that another carwash approved last summer by the City Council has run into legal trouble in Orange County Superior Court.

The construction of that carwash, which has been opposed by scores of angry residents, was challenged in a lawsuit.

City Atty. Joel D. Kuperberg told the City Council on Tuesday that a judge has found technical defects in the carwash proposal. Kuperberg, however, said the court action does not preclude that carwash from being built.

Some residents contend that La Palma is being overbuilt with carwashes.

The City Council has so far approved three carwashes for the 16,000-population city.