Purdy Collision Center Gets OK to Impound Towed Vehicles

The Galloway Township Planning Board voted unanimously Thursday to modify a prior decision that prohibited Purdy Collision Center from impounding towed vehicles on its lot at the intersection of the White Horse Pike (Route 30) and Third Avenue.

At a site plan hearing in 2005, owner Don Purdy (now Galloway Township mayor) told the Planning Board he did not intend to use the property to tow impounded vehicles "at this time." The board then included language that did not allow the use.

At the time, Purdy was using another site for towed vehicles. He didn't have the appropriate licenses. And necessary fencing was not in place, Purdy said.

Since the new location opened in 2007, Purdy has created a fenced-in area that is not visible from the White Horse Pike or the paved portion of Third Avenue. He has the appropriate licenses, and the impounding of towed vehicles is a permitted use in the zone.

With no objection from any member of the public or planning staff, the board voted, 6-0, to modify the resolution. Police Chief Pat Moran recused himself from the discussion and vote.