Boom in car wash openings approved for Lincoln Avenue area, city OKs automated facility

Joseph P. Smith, Cherry Hill Courier-Post
·2 min read

VINELAND — A venture in leading-edge car wash technology is approved to open for the city’s easternmost neighborhoods, although the municipal water utility will need to stretch to service the business.

The Zoning Board recently approved a site plan for an automated car wash parcel at 141 North Lincoln Avenue, between Maple and Landis avenues. The property is adjacent to the Lincoln Plaza shopping center.

Aaron Krenzer, a Buena Vista Township resident, is opening the business with his wife.

The site plan had been under design since his company in October 2022 obtained a zoning variance to use the property, which is in a business district, but it is less than 2 acres in size. Significant wetlands at its rear reduce the actually developable area to about a half-acre.

Krenzer said the carwash is a “tunnel” model, 2,400 square feet large, with two bays, and an entirely self-contained washing and drying system. “It’s kind of where the direction of all the car washes are going after a lot of research,” he told the board.

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The Vineland Zoning Board on Wednesday night approved an automated car wash project at 141 North Lincoln Avenue, not far from Landis Avenue in East Vineland. Owner and operator Aaron Krenzer (right) of Buena Vista Township testifies standing alongside project attorney Stephen Barse. PHOTO: March 15, 2023.
The Vineland Zoning Board on Wednesday night approved an automated car wash project at 141 North Lincoln Avenue, not far from Landis Avenue in East Vineland. Owner and operator Aaron Krenzer (right) of Buena Vista Township testifies standing alongside project attorney Stephen Barse. PHOTO: March 15, 2023.

“They’re going to drive in one bay,” Krenzer said. “A garage door is going to go down behind you. … It’s going to wash your car however you choose to wash your car from three or four different washes to choose from.  Once done there, the door in front of you is going to go up.”

The Vineland water system does not cover all of that area, in this case stopping about 330 feet from the property. Krenzer has asked for a utility extension, according to the city.

Voting in favor were Chairman George LoBiondo, Vice Chairman Joseph Stefano and members Ryan Flaim, Mark Grussenmeyer, Eric Hernandez, and Victoria Lods.

Joe Smith is a N.E. Philly native transplanted to South Jersey more than 30 years ago, keeping an eye now on government in South Jersey. He is a former editor and current senior staff writer for The Daily Journal in Vineland, Courier-Post in Cherry Hill, and the Burlington County Times.

Have a tip? Reach out at jsmith@thedailyjournal.com. Help support local journalism with a subscription.

This article originally appeared on Cherry Hill Courier-Post: Automated car wash has approvals to open in East Vineland NJ