By Andre Lamar Community News 

Posted Sep 10, 2010 @ 12:22 PM

Brandywine Hundred, Del. — 

At the intersection of Foulk and Silverside roads, a new ride through car wash and gas station is set to replace the abandoned Sunoco.

Councilman Bob Weiner (R-Chatham) held a community meeting Wednesday at the Brandywine Library to alert neighbors about the plan and John Recchiuti, Victory's soon-to-be owner, gave details about the business.

Recchiuti, owner of several Pennsylvania car washes, said there's an unmet demand for a high-end car wash facility in the Brandywine Hundred.

He plans to renovate the abandoned Sunoco station, using a portion of the existing building, but expanding it to accommodate car wash equipment. He said he plans to remove the service bays and lifts at the site.

Construction will require the removal of the diesel fuel and diesel fuel tank, but Recchiuti said he intends to sell gas at the site at four pumps, and has formed a dealer supply contract with Sunoco.

For the most part, the community was receptive to the proposed car wash. However, questions were raised regarding noise from car wash blowers and whether light from the facility would invade their homes at night. Recchiuti and Project Engineer Stephen Rosenfeld said the motors are quiet and include baffles to reduce sound.

As for lighting concerns, Weiner said any project that's redeveloped or developed is restricted from allowing light to escape its site.

The express wash will utilize an eco-friendly system that reuses 80 percent of its water, Recchiuti said. Left over water will go to the sewer. The facility will include an automated pay station in which customers receive a dispensed token, to use one of Victory's 14 self-serve vacuums, after purchasing their service. Once the car is washed, customers will have the option to then vacuum their cars or return on another day.

Victory will offer multiple package deals such as a basic wash to a deluxe service including triple foam treatment, under spray and tire cleaning. Recchiuti said under spraying is important for preventing rust under the body of a car. 

Prices for packages will range from $5 to $13, he said.

Recchuiti said he’s set to settle with Sunoco on the property in November, in which ownership of the facility will be transferred to him. If settlement isn't delayed, he said Victory would open next spring.

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