A new hotel and car wash could soon be built in Arroyo Grande

Neighbors and other businesses in the Arroyo Grande area have mixed feelings about plans for a new car wash and boutique hotel.

The project would be built on about an acre and a half of undeveloped land at the corner of North Halcyon Road and El Camino Real.

It includes a hotel with 22 rooms, a swimming pool and 24 parking spaces.

The proposal also includes an automated drive-thru car wash that would be separate from the hotel but operated on the property.

“If it gets good people to come and visit the area, I’m OK with it,” said Chris Johnson, associate pastor of nearby Berean Bible Church.

While some people believe the project could benefit the city, the owner of Bob’s Car Wash, next door to the proposal, isn’t thrilled about the competition.

“Pismo Beach has now approved a drive-thru car wash less than a mile from our location. I just don’t understand why we need two more car washes,” he said at a recent Planning Commission meeting.

Project applicant Hamish Marshall says the express car wash will be leased to Sun Day Carwash.

“We are the largest car wash company in the county and we know what is here and what is not, and our offering is very different than other car washes in the county,” Marshall said.

Courtesy notices were sent to property owners within 300 feet of the project site.

Lori Hunstad has lived on nearby Faeh St. for 30 years, and while she says she’s happy with the proposal overall, she has concerns about the hotel’s 24 parking spaces.

“I’m worried about the parking lot. I know that combining the parking spaces for the car wash is sufficient, but often there is more than one car per room and where should people park? “On Faeh Street,” Hunstad said.

The Arroyo Grande Planning Commission ultimately approved the project.

Marshall says they are still looking for a company to operate the hotel.

“We have a few interested parties, but I just don’t have any guarantees,” he said.

According to the planning commission, there is no timetable for the start of construction.