Clermont City Councilmembers approved the request of Gunther Volkswagen of Clermont, an automotive services and sales dealership, to construct a building over 20,000 square feet on property consisting of 8.6 acres, located northwest of the US 27 and SR 50 intersection, adjacent to the Crown Lounge, south of Highland Avenue. The site is currently vacant. It has direct access to US 27 from Highland Avenue, which was closed due to the construction of the improved interchange at US 27 and SR 50.
The primary access points to the site are Millholland Street and Almond Street, with a secondary access point from the frontage road via Highland Avenue. The property was formerly the site of the Clermont Motor Lodge and EMS station.
The applicant has also acquired the ½ acre site adjacent to Wendy’s and will use this site for a display area that fronts on SR 50. The display area will not interfere with Crown Lounge’s signage.
Gunther Volkswagen, a family-owned business, has agreed to fully fund and improve road segments, consisting of a partial rebuild of Bloxam Avenue and Almond Street along with overlays of Millholland Street and Almond Street. These improvements will provide the necessary road support for the dealership operation along with users in the vicinity.
The applicant has agreed to provide road upgrades, donate 1.9 acres to the city, provide quality jobs and increase the city tax base.
The request was approved by a 4-1 vote. Councilmember Michele Pines voted NO stating that she was having a difficult time approving the location of the dealership.
