A Hamden businessman won permission to store towed cars in a yard in Beaver Hill, after he promised to make a number of improvements and live by a number of conditions.
The City Plan Commission approved the request by John Rufrano at its monthly meeting Wednesday night.
Rufrano (pictured listening to instructions from the commission) runs Wheeler’s Auto Service in Hamden. He said he wants to tow cars for the New Haven police, but needs a place to store 100 cars within the city limits. He wants to lease a yard at 86 Fitch St., now occupied by a storage company.
City Engineer Richard Miller and City Plan Deputy Director Thomas Talbot expressed concern about pollution from the nearby brook. Rufrano must prove he can shoehorn 100 cars into the lot, fence in the area he is leasing and provide visual shields to hide the cars from nearby residents.
After the board passed his request with myriad conditions, he said he is happy with this “stepping-stone” for his business.
Rufrano still needs approval from the police department to be a tow operator.