Developers for a new Carmax location in Florence have plans to improve the road around the property, going “above and beyond” in the eyes of Florence city council.
Brad Lauth presented the plan at Tuesday’s council meeting for a new Carmax used car sales location on Holiday Place, across from the Florence Y’alls Stadium on Interstate 75.
Part of the plan is to improve the road so that Carmax trucks have an easier time moving in and out of the property and onto 42; Florence city council members said the capital investment is a relief and surprise to see.
Lauth said the grade difference turning left onto Holiday Place is “pretty extreme” for their trucks. He said it’s “almost a U-turn movement” for trucks, and “scrape marks” are visible on the curb from failed wide turns. As a result, the main improvements Carmax is making along with developing the side are widening Jameson Drive to accommodate those wide turns and doing the same for trucks turning right onto U.S. 42.
Council member Julie Aubuchon said it will “really improve the flow in that area.”
Florence Community and Business Development Director Joshua Hunt said it’s rare that a company does more than just develop the site.
“It’s not very often we have a company come in and pay above and beyond for the site – it’s a very expensive site – and do the amount of capital improvements proposed,” Hunt said. “It’s kind of unprecedented.”
The used car business will be on the property next to a KFC and near two hotels. The planning and zoning committee determined there is no need for a public hearing for the development, so the ordinance will receive a vote at a future Florence city council business meeting.
Lauth added that the company has been trying to get into the Florence market for a while. The nearest Carmax locations are northern Cincinnati and Lexington.
The Carmax location will likely break ground in spring 2023, Lauth said.