Tesla Motors' subsidiary, Tesla Motors MA, has a 2,846-square-foot showroom in the Natick Mall John Burke, a Sherborn attorney representing Teslsa, said that approach has not worked. “They had hoped it would work out, but it has not,” Burke said. “It fractures the whole customer experience.” http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/news/x1431006855/Tesla-looks-to-sell-cars-at-Natick-Mall
Veeeerrrrryyyy interesting. I don't know how they'll weasel this next step without acting as an MA car dealer. Still, I hope they can get it changed. The court judgment suggested it's possible. The negative to this is an implication that they need to change it to increase reservations. I guess they could adjust the zoning to allow a limited number of vehicles and the ability to take a "deposit". That would be fair to car dealerships who'd have the opportunity to copy Tesla's model, at least via temporary promotions.
Here is the link to Natick's Planning Board Agendas. According to the MetroWest article the meeting is April 24th. http://natickma.virtualtownhall.net/Public_Documents/NatickMA_PlanBoardAgenda/
Thanks, aronth5. I was looking unsuccessfully on their site for an upcoming agenda or information about the Planning Board meetings. But a quick review of some of the past agendas shows that meetings generally start at 7:30pm at the Natick Town Hall.
Is there a visible spot to park our Teslas if we are able to attend? That might make a bigger statement than our presence in the room. No chargers near the Town Hall according to Plugshare.
You can attempt to get there early and park right in front of the building or across the street. There is a side parking lot... /Ed
I just stopped by the hearing - it hasn't started - and I couldn't stay long. Hope it goes well! We gawked at my the MS parked outside - looks exactly like the one I have comijg soon
Badly is not the right way to frame it. It is very complex situation. It is complicated by zoning laws (planning board), licensing (selectmen) and dealer franchising (DA, state laws).
"I personally am not comfortable with what you are asking us to do," board member Glen Glater said. "I think that this kind of change needs to be put in front of the entire town (through a zoning change at Town Meeting)." MetroWest Daily News Posted Apr 28, 2013 http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/top_stories/x1506801545/Natick-board-weighs-Tesla-request-to-sell-cars-at-mall
At least the Planning Board Chairman seems supportive: Planning Board Chairman Andrew Meyer said Tesla is not proposing much different than what planners approved last year. Meyer said it is not detrimental to the area if other car companies pursue a similar concept as Tesla. "From a consumer standpoint, I’m in favor of it," he said. "From a planning standpoint, I’m comfortable with it."