New Hope Approves Custom Car Business Expansion

The New Hope City Council unanimously approved a conditional use permit to allow a significant expansion of a custom car business.

Automotive Concepts wants to build a new 22,500-square-foot building on its site in southeast New Hope. The exact location is 2919 Nevada Avenue North.

The new building would focus on vehicle body work, installation of tires and wheels, and vehicle customization. The expansion could create as many as 35 new jobs.

Significant Development Challenge

The expansion by Automotive Concepts faces a significant challenge, however. The site is very hilly and the business would need to remove 15 feet of soil. As a result, the business is asking the city for tax increment financing (TIF). The New Hope City Council expects to address the TIF request at its July 22 meeting.

The project would also require the demolition of a vacant single family home, property formerly owned by Ray Kmetz. He was the man involved in the 2015 New Hope City Hall shooting incident.

Community Development Director Jeff Sargent says Automotive Concepts is a very successful business in New Hope and “is known nationally.” The company hopes to begin construction as soon as it obtains the necessary financing.

New Hope