What’s going on at the former Dworkin Chevrolet dealership on Seymour Avenue?
Nothing but a guy trying to make a buck in the toughest of economies.
That was the gist of a conversation that took place Tuesday night between Warren Dworkin and members of the Derby Planning and Zoning Commission.
Last spring, after more than 40 years, Dworkin Chevrolet, like thousands of other car dealerships in the U.S., went out of business.
Owner Warren Dworkin has been trying to breath new life into the three-acre plus property, but it hasn’t been easy.
Last month there was a plan to incorporate a used car dealership and lease space to two other businesses, including City Stitchers, a custom embroidery/print shop on Elizabeth Street.
However, part of that deal fell through, Dworkin told the Valley Independent Sentinel.
Dworkin is regrouping, trying to prepare an application that will still see the used car dealer move in.
He’s supposed to have something submitted to Planning and Zoning shortly, because a public hearing has been scheduled for Oct. 20.
The used car dealer, by the way, is Frank’s LLC, the longtime Ansonia-based repair shop that has issues with its neighbors and the Ansonia Police Department.
Frank Heusser, Jr., owner of Frank’s LLC, is in the process of getting his auto dealer license, Dworkin said.
However, several members of the Planning and Zoning Commission wanted to know why cars are currently being stored at the former Dworkin dealership — when Dworkin has no permission to do anything there.
“We’ve received numerous complaints, e‑mails from the public, there’s been activity on the site,” said Theodore Estwan, Jr., chairman of the Planning and Zoning Commission.
Dworkin reminded to commissioners that automobiles have been on the property for 56 years. He said he’s trying to make some money by allowing cars to be stored on the property until he get a new business in there.
“We’re not repairing automobiles, we’re not selling automobiles. We are storing automobiles. That’s the only thing happening on that site,” Dworkin said.
Estwan implored Dworkin to hand in an application — one that could be reviewed by the public prior to the Oct. 20 public hearing.
