Auburn Conservation Commission Closes Hearings on Septic and Car Wash Projects

AUBURN -- August 27, 2025, Auburn Conservation Commission advances two wetland-area projects, raises car wash paving question. The commission, chaired by Michael Garland, opened and closed public hearings on a septic system replacement requested by Jacob Warren at Fort Whitesville Road and a vacuum and pay station upgrade at the car wash at 888 Southbridge Street requested by Alan Chupa. Commissioners who visited both sites the preceding Saturday reported no major concerns, though the Fort Whitesville Road plan was confirmed to include required erosion controls. For the car wash project, commissioners debated whether the applicant's intent to repave the deteriorating parking lot needed to be reflected in the submitted plan before a negative determination of applicability could be issued, given the site's location within the 100-foot wetland buffer zone. The commission agreed to include a stipulation in the written decision requiring a revised filing if repaving proceeds, with an operation and maintenance plan for on-site stormwater infrastructure also discussed. The car wash, which is currently closed during the permitting process, awaits the commission's formal written decision.