A used car lot that can display up to 135 vehicles for sale may open where an 11,700 square-foot retail building was destroyed in a suspected arson fire nine years ago in the 700 block of North Main Street.

The proposed Star Auto Sales would be located on 2.04 acres behind the new North Main Street location of Taqueria La Estrella and the Waffle Café immediately south of the Golden West School campus. A dozen houses on Poplar Avenue and Argonaut Street back up to the site.

The Manteca Planning Commission will consider a use permit for the used car lot when they meet Tuesday at 7 p.m. The project includes a 1,632-square-foot modular office building, lighting, fencing, parking, and landscaping.

The June 11, 2011 fire occurred on a night 8 dumpster fires were fought by the Manteca Fire Department.

The fire gutted Rocko’s Sports Bar, Aki’s Food to Go & Oriental Market, The Clipper Hair Salon and a learning center. Prior to Rocko’s opening there was a Mexican restaurant at the location with a miniature golf course next door.

Members of the Planning Commission will participate in the meeting via teleconference from separate locations due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Those that wish to submit public comments may do so no later than 4 p.m. on Tuesday. Public comment will be limited to 250 words and every effort will be made by staff to read the comments into the record. Comments that exceed 250 words will not be read into the record and will be made a part of the official record on file with the Planning Secretary. Comments received after the 4 p.m. deadline will not be read into the record and will be made a part of the official record on file with the Planning Secretary if received prior to the end of the meeting.  

Comments can be made by email to planning@ci.manteca.ca.us or hand delivered to the door of the Community Development Department, 1215 W. Center St., Ste. 201, Manteca.

To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com