During a recent government meeting, community concerns regarding a proposed Ferrari dealership and service center were prominently voiced by local residents and business owners. The discussions highlighted significant apprehensions about increased traffic and safety risks in the vicinity of the facility, located near Holland Drive.
Eric Poklyak, a small business owner, expressed skepticism about the dealership's claim that test drives would not occur after repairs. He emphasized the potential dangers posed by technicians and customers test driving high-performance vehicles in an area frequented by joggers and pedestrians. Poklyak warned that the additional traffic from both employees and customers could exacerbate existing congestion, particularly due to the nearby Amazon facility.
Jim Smiriglio, another local business owner, echoed these concerns, questioning the accuracy of the traffic studies presented by the dealership. He argued that the projected traffic figures seemed unrealistic, given the size of the facility and the number of employees expected to commute. Smiriglio also raised alarms about reckless driving on Holland Drive, which he referred to as \"Holland Speedway,\" and the lack of sidewalks, increasing the risk of accidents.
In response to the public's concerns, David Millich, representing the dealership, defended the traffic study, stating it was based on real-world data from the largest Ferrari dealership globally. He asserted that the proposed facility would generate less traffic than other permitted uses in the area, such as schools and retail stores. Millich also clarified that the dealership operates by appointment only, which would help manage traffic flow.
The meeting concluded without a definitive resolution, leaving community members anxious about the potential implications of the dealership on local traffic and safety. The discussions underscored the ongoing tension between development and community safety, as residents await further decisions from local authorities.