Representatives from Anchor Subaru on Route 146 in North Smithfield will go before the town Planning Board tonight, Sept. 4, at 7 p.m., seeking preliminary approval for a major land development project at 949 Eddie Dowling Highway.

The proposal would add nearly four acres of abutting land to the car dealership, according to Town Planner Michael Phillips, who said Anchor Subaru is looking to add new car storage areas and parking for both cars and tractor trailer trucks that currently pull up on the side of Route 146.

Mike Breen, marketing manager at Anchor Subaru, told The Valley Breeze the plan is indeed to add more parking, but the main intent of the company's plans is to open up space to bring a new franchise in the future to the property north of the Rustic Drive-in Theatre, at the junction of Sayles Hill Road.

"We have tough economic times right now but we're just making plans for the future when the economy improves," said Breen, of a future expansion for the company with its proclaimed status of "Rhode Island's #1 Subaru dealer."

"The building we purchased next door to us (the former Smithfield Dodge-Chrysler) is something we hope to expand on and put another franchise in there," said Breen. "On the other side we need more space for vehicles and employee parking."

Asked what type of franchise the "Anchor" name would welcome, Breen said heads of the company haven't decided yet.

The pre-application for land development from Anchor Subaru, owned by Robert Benoit, involve Tax Assessor's Plat 17, lots 80, 84, 85, 167, and 231, all of which are zoned for highway business.

Phillips said two homes were purchased as part of the plan to create more space at the car dealership.

Online records show Anchor Subaru currently operates its business on more than seven acres owned by Anchor Automotive Realty and Benoit Realty LLC at 949 Eddie Dowling Highway.

The owner of Anchor Subaru is not the same Robert Benoit who serves as the town's building official, said Phillips.

A busy Planning Board meeting agenda tonight will also feature a review and discussion of a plan for remedial work to be completed on Elizabeth Avenue and Saranac Street by Vincent Mesolella and his business associates, among other items. Reported road deficiencies there have had neighbors up in arms for years.

"We finally got the plan in for Elizabeth Avenue and we're going to be reviewing it," said Phillips, of paperwork he and Planning Board members have sought for years.

Mesolella and his LIZ Development team are expected to explain plans to finally fix roadwork that town officials say has has not been completed according to specifications, say town officials.

The Planning Board meeting will be held at the Kendall-Dean School at 83 Greene St. in Slatersville, at the same time, 7 p.m., as the town administrator debate at the North Smithfield High School auditorium.
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