A $1.4 million drive-thru oil change business is proposed along Tarentum Bridge Road in New Kensington.
The Valvoline Instant Oil Change would be between the main entrance to Giant Eagle and Shamey’s Gas Station in front of Quality Inn.
City council approved creating the lot, about three-fifths of an acre, in May 2022. About 60% of the land came from Giant Eagle’s property and is grassy, open space. The rest came from the hotel’s land and includes a parking area and short access road between the hotel and gas station.
The city’s zoning hearing board is expected to consider the project in January. A meeting date was not yet known.
While the area is zoned commercial, the oil change facility needs special exception use approvals for its drive-thru and automotive use, city engineer Tony Males said.
If the board approves, the project would go to the city’s planning commission, which will review the site plan and make a recommendation to city council. City council will give final approval and determine if it is in keeping with the city’s design guidelines, Males said.
The conceptual layout for the development shows the entrance and exit at the rear of the parcel. Traffic would not come into or out of the facility directly to or from Tarentum Bridge Road.
The property includes 10 parking spaces, lined along the property line with Shamey’s, while the building shows three lanes for customers with stacking room for two vehicles at each going in and one each going out.
In its application, Valvoline says the use would be consistent with neighboring properties.
“The proposed facility generates minimal traffic and offers quick oil changes (15 min.) while the customer waits in their car,” the application reads.
Other minor services, such as windshield wiper replacement and tire inflation, would be offered.
“This results in minimal impact to surrounding parcels while providing convenience for the community and improvement of the undeveloped parcel via an architecturally pleasing building and nicely landscaped/maintained property,” the application states.
Joe Shamey, who has owned his station for 58 years, isn’t concerned. Oil changes are among the minor work he does at his full-service gas station and service garage.
Pointing to other businesses that do oil changes nearby, Shamey said he has regular customers after nearly six decades in business.
“There’s enough business for everybody,” he said.
The nearest existing Valvoline Instant Oil Change is on South Pike Road in Buffalo Township. Other locations include Frankstown and Rodi roads in Penn Hills and William Penn Highway in Murrysville.
