Locals in Manchester, Vermont, Pushback on Proposed Valvoline Instant Oil Change

A Valvoline Instant Oil Change franchisee is meeting pushback over a proposed location in Manchester, Vermont, reports The Manchester Journal.

Snowdon LLC, a Valvoline franchisee based in Connecticut, is seeking to build a new store at the corner of Highland Avenue and Depot Street. It would require the demolition of the Village Gas and Market and an empty building that once housed the Firefly Restaurant. In its place would be built a three-bay store, with screening, trees, and green spaces around the service area.

However, locals have grown increasingly concerned with how the new store impacts the character of the town. A number of reasons have been cited, one of which being the historical significance of the former Firefly Restaurant building which would be demolished. It was originally built in the 1860s as a general store, and has gone through several owners.

In addition, the building is one of the first sights drivers see when they arrive into Manchester from the Route 7 highway or down Route 11/30, prompting higher scrutiny on how the property should be used.

Two preliminary hearings have been held on the proposal, with a large crowd attending the August 6 meeting, where several residents voiced opposition.

“This is our entrance into Manchester and we have signs that say historic depot district and the first thing they see is a Valvoline coming in?” said local resident Courtney Callo during a Development Review board meeting in August.

“The downtown has spent a lot of effort to work on the image of Manchester, and we’re making Valvoline the entrance to Manchester?” stated William Badger, a local resident and historian. “That’s just wrong. Not the right place for it.”

Michael Ferri, of Snowdon LLC, shared that he has not experienced an issue like this with any of his store openings. Snowdon LLC has operated quick lube centers since the mid-1990s, with locations in Bennington and Rutland.

“I handle a lot of the development and the buildings. And this was the first time I was met with such, I guess, pressure,” said Ferri.

Ferri has noted that the building in question is not listed as a historical site, and that its demolition would improve sight lines at the corner of Depot and Highland. But many locals are brainstorming ideas for where else the Valvoline could go—including resident business owners. 

Andrew Weill, owner of Manchester Hot Glass, said the shop would be a better fit along the Route 7A corridor, where it would have less of an impact on traffic. Kris Slethaug, a local, has also discussed repurposing the entire lot with Mark Greenberg, of Depot Street LLC, the current owner of the Village Gas and Market. He suggested a green space, parking space, art gallery, or pop-up location for local producers as alternatives for the spot.

“It’s not enough to just simply say no and wait for the next proposal,” said Slethaug. “It’s really bringing together the resources and the appropriate tradespeople and the imagination together and I think we can create a vibrant experience [on] Depot Street that is representing what is already happening behind the scenes. So there is a place for a Valvoline, it’s just not in the Depot District.”

Valvoline has already gone to contract and put up a deposit for the property. But the proposal to build a new facility will require approval from the  Development Review Board, which will be holding its next meeting on Nov. 5.