Demolition begins for North Auburn ampm project

The property of the EZ Clean Car Wash and A-1 Food Store at 895 Grass Valley Highway was surrounded in privacy fencing Monday as demolition began to make way for an incoming ARCO ampm gas station. As of Tuesday afternoon, the stalls of the car wash were leveled and efforts to level the convenience store were starting. Signs adorned either side of the store's door stating, "Goodbye A1 you will be missed 💔," and "Thank you for being part of our community for 25+ years 💔." The Placer County Zoning Administrator/Parcel Review Committee approved a minor use permit and variance for a three-year period for the proposed ARCO station on the 1.01-acre site on Feb. 17, 2022. The project will include a 2,900-square-foot convenience store; a 4,500-square-foot canopy, 18.5 feet tall with six fuel dispensers; two underground fuel storage tanks with a combined capacity of 47,000 gallons; and a retaining wall, 11.3 feet in height. Documents note the project will also include an 816-square-foot attached automatic car wash with four vacuum stations. According to project documents, the minor use permit and variance will expire Feb. 17, 2024.