SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Springs Planning Commission has recommended that the City Council allow tires and rims to be displayed outside a tire and auto repair store.

The Planning Commission also recommended Tuesday that the City Council lift restrictions on hours of operation and allow a vehicle to be parked for 24 hours outside American Car Care, 1978 N. Hillcrest Road.

"I'm very pleased," said Brett Houghton, owner of American Car Care, who requested all the changes except the time a vehicle can be parked outside. "I was concerned about the last little (change) because I have no control over that, but I think it'll be OK."

Houghton said his business does not have a key-drop box because he does not want cars at his business overnight; but sometimes, customers drop them off and he cannot control that.

Houghton's current permit prohibits cars being parked outside the store after business hours, but Commissioner Earl Halvas said it was not reasonable for an auto business to not allow vehicles to be parked outside overnight.

The City Council will vote on the Planning Commission's recommendations at its regular meeting next Tuesday.

"It seems to me that most businesses of this nature have that opportunity," Halvas said. "I'd like to bring my car in the evening rather than be there at 7 in the morning."

Halvas' recommendation to strike out the part of the permit that prohibits vehicles parked outside was criticized by Commissioner Cassie Gross as being too lenient, and the provision that cars could be parked outside for a maximum of 24 hours was negotiated as an alternative.

Houghton said he was surprised that the Planning Commission unanimously recommended the changes, because two years ago, the Planning Commission voted against allowing his business to open at the urging of residents in the nearby Harvest Hills neighborhood.

American Car Care opened only after the City Council overruled the Planning Commission's request.

Houghton said his store has an enclosed children's play area and a comfortable waiting room, which he believes has helped win over residents in Harvest Hills.

"I think the reason (Tuesday's request) went smoothly is we've really tried to keep it nice," he said.

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E-mail: lhancock@desnews.com