Plans for Valvoline Instant Oil Change in Vermont Denied—Franchisee Plans to Appeal

Plans for a Valvoline Instant Oil Change in Bennington, Vermont, have been denied by local authorities, reports Bennington Banner.

The proposed store at 575 Depot Street was slated to be operated by Snowdon LLC, a Valvoline franchisee based in Connecticut, taking the spot of the former Firefly Restaurant. The three-bay store would include trees and green space surrounding the building, and was revised to fit in with the local architecture, rather than the typical Valvoline building design.

In a 3-2 vote, a permit application for the store was denied. The town’s Development Review Board released a “Findings of Fact” which claimed the store would have negative effects on local traffic and walkability.

“The proposed building is not human scaled; does not promote a quality urban streetcar; does not promote a pedestrian-friendly environment; and is estimated to cause some light trespass on adjacent parcels and public rights-of-way,” read the document.

Additionally, the board estimated the store would cause congestion on Highland Avenue, as well as hamper pedestrian safety due to existing sight-line impediments.

Four hearings were held on the proposal since last May, with the most recent taking place Dec. 4, 2025. However, it’s possible the decision may be appealed.

“The result was ridiculous,” said Mark Greenberg, the owner of the property where the proposed Valvoline would be built. “I’m pretty certain we’re going to appeal—it’s not even a question at this point.”