Proposed AutoNation Site Wins Commission’s Support

AutoNation USA, a growing nationwide chain of used-car stores, has taken an important step toward opening an Oxnard location by winning the support of the city’s Planning Commission.

By a unanimous vote Monday night, commissioners Dale Dean, Albert Duff and Joseph Burdullis approved several measures needed for the store to open a 20-acre, 1,070-car site on the south side of the Ventura Freeway, directly across from the Oxnard Auto Center. Commissioners Michael Clarke and Ray Tafoya were absent.

Commissioners approved a zoning change for the site, converting the area from industrial to business-park usage. They also granted the company a permit needed to open the auto store.

An environmental study of the project, which concluded it would bring no problems that could not be offset, also was approved. The project is scheduled to go to the City Council for final approval Jan. 6.

Viewed by some analysts as the Wal-Mart of the used-auto industry, AutoNation is trying to lure customers with fixed prices and large inventories.

Although some local business leaders are worried that the big used-car store would hurt small used-car dealers, officials are eager for AutoNation to come to town. They have said that the new store could bring up to $1 million in annual sales-tax revenue to the city.

Planning commissioners said they expect a big economic boost from AutoNation, which would be the city’s latest retail shopping development near the freeway.

“We’re transitioning to one of the flagship shopping centers in the county,” Dean said. “These sales-tax opportunities are crucial.”