Groundbreaking held for Delta Sonic car wash on Route 34 in Oswego

Village of Oswego officials and representatives of Delta Sonic broke ground on what is planned to be the largest Delta Sonic car wash in the country Thursday, March 28.

The facility, to be located at the corner of Route 34 and Kendall Point Drive, will feature a 9,500 square foot car wash, 13,725 square foot indoor vacuuming station, gas station, 9,200 square foot convenience store, 9,300 square foot detailing facility, 6,750 square foot tire and lube shop and small restaurant.

According to a press release issued by the village, the car wash will feature advanced, environmentally-conscious technology, and, "will serve as the model for other locations built in the United States."

Technology planned for the flagship facility include rooftop solar panels, LED lighting, and equipment that will allow the facility to harvest and recycle rainwater to use in the car wash.

"While other communities have struggled in maintaining their retail base, Oswego continues to attract businesses eager to bring their bests to our residents," Village President Gail Johnson said in the release. "The proposal that Delta Sonic brought - not just a car wash, but a full-service car care facility with environmental considerations at the forefront - will be an asset to our community, expanding our commercial tax base and offering high-quality services to our residents."

At Thursday's groundbreaking, Johnson said the village was fortunate to continue to attract new businesses.

"This development represents for us, smart growth, which is something we've tried very, very hard to do over the last four or five years," Johnson said. "The growing of our business base means a lot to the taxpayers of Oswego, both for the village, the schools, and the parks, because it brings no children with it and yet instant property taxes and instant sales taxes."

The development of the car wash on the vacant parcel sparked strong objections from residents of the age-restricted Steeplechase subdivision located south of the project site. At public hearings and village board meetings, residents voiced a number of concerns, including the possibility of increased traffic, crime and noise from the business. In response, Delta Sonic changed the project's design, shifting the location of the car and moving their retail building close to Route 34. To visually screen the development from the residential area, plans call for the installation of a six-foot fence and additional landscaping.

Johnson praised the plan revisions made by the developers in response to the residents' concerns.

James Boglioli, director of Right to Build for Benderson Development Company, project developers, said the facility will create more than 100 jobs, half of which will be full-time with full benefits.

"As a growing community...Oswego was a smart choice for us to expand in, and we look forward to being a good community member," Boglioli said.

The business is expected to be completed and open this summer.