West Memphis set to get new car dealership

West Memphis set to get new car dealership

Paragould businessman plans to open Dodge facility on interstate frontage

news@theeveningtimes.com

A new Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram dealership revealed plans to open in West Memphis. The city design and review commissioners looked over renderings and heard about the new car dealership during its February meeting. Keith Bayird of Paragould planned to open another dealership on the interstate interchange. He bought the Barton Power Sports building.

Commissioners reviewed a rendering that connected the two buildings on three acre lot with an updated storefront at 1901 E.

Service Rd. The revamped building will house 23,166 feet under roof with an estimated construction cost of $200,000 for the remodeling.

City Planning and Development Director Paul Luker introduced the plans to commissioners telling them the building and lot would serve the same general purpose retailing motor vehicles.

“There are no issues with the transformation of these buildings,” said Luker. “It has previously been a car dealership and is currently operating as Barton Power Sports.”

The plans unify the two buildings with a facade.

“That will make the buildings appear as one,” said Luker. “Other than that, they are not doing a lot to the place.”

Mayor Marco McClendon indicated the job prospects for the new dealership ranged from between 20 and 30 new employees.

“I happy for the dealership and I’ve met the owner assuring him we’d do everything possible to ensure his success,” said McClendon. “If possible we will get a new sky cop in there to help him protect his investment.

To have a new car dealership here will help the people of the city. People that have Chryslers can get them serviced without crossing the bridge. They can spend their money right here in West Memphis.”

Luker also touted the economic impact of a second new car dealership in the city.

“The dealership will add to our sales tax base and create jobs,” said Luker.

The new car dealership construction begins as the city-wide moratorium in effect on used new used car dealerships and body shops. When city council imposed the used car development ban, Luker promised a comprehensive plan including zoning and ordinances governing used cars, salvage and body work as part of the forthcoming 20 year city plan. While the Bayird operation’s main focus will be new vehicles, the moratorium on new used vehicle sales operations was still in effect.

“The main source of their business is new cars anyway, and the used car moratorium should be lifted in the next few months,” said Luker.

By John Rech