A proposed car wash in Montgomery Village is drawing early pushback from residents, according to a report by Ruth Stadius of Montgomery Village News, with additional details outlined in a fact sheet provided by Montgomery Village News and Spotless Brands.
Spotless Brands is proposing a new Flagship Car Wash on the vacant “Lot 37” parcel next to Lidl on Montgomery Village Avenue. The concept was presented on March 23 to about 100 residents, but has not yet been formally submitted to Montgomery County Park and Planning.
Plans call for a roughly 12,000SF, single-story facility featuring a 110-foot automated wash tunnel, dual 80-foot dry/detail belts, and 14 vacuum spaces. The operation would include three pay lanes, employ about 50 people, and run from 8am to 8pm. The company says up to 41% of water would be recycled on-site, with biodegradable cleaning materials used.
According to the presentation, the site would include a queue for up to 26 vehicles, with access remaining unchanged via Montgomery Village Avenue and Centerway Road. The estimated investment is $10 million, not including real estate costs.
Residents raised concerns primarily about traffic, noise, and whether the project is an appropriate fit for the area. While the developer said projected noise levels would fall within county limits and that most traffic would be “pass-by” trips, attendees questioned the use of a 2019 traffic study and cited nearby growth and future development as factors not accounted for.
Additional concerns included potential traffic backups, impacts on school traffic and nearby businesses, emissions from queued vehicles, visibility from surrounding homes, and strain on infrastructure. Several residents said the proposal would not add value to the community.
The developer said feedback is still being collected before any formal plans are submitted. Additional information can be found here.
