A proposed city gateway project in Centerville featuring a Mercedes-Benz vehicle display is drawing criticism from a resident who feels the private benefit to a local car dealership outshines the public good.

“When all is said and done, it will be a grandiose vehicle display area,” Centerville resident Joseph Harmon said.

Harmon lodged the complaint with the Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission Thursday, before the group voted to approve a draft Transportation Improvement Project (TIP) list of roadway and transit projects under development for 2014-17.

The gateway project at the northwest corner of Interstate 675 at Ohio 48, is scheduled for $161,000 in enhancements in 2014. The project will feature a signage wall, a Mercedes-Benz of Centerville vehicle display area, flagpoles, decorative fencing, columns and landscaping.

Greg Horn, Centerville’s city manger, said no public money or land will be used for the vehicle display. While the city must guarantee the $38,000 local share of the project, Horn said Mercedes-Benz of Centerville, 1 Loop Road, has agreed to pay it. Horn said the city sought a community partner for the project.

“We have a business owner willing to go above and beyond to compliment what the city is trying to do in the area,” Horn said. “I think we’re doing something positive. The business owner is doing something positive.”

Butch Spencer, general manager of Mercedes-Benz of Centerville, said the project is at a standstill until the city and the state of Ohio tells them how to move forward.

“We’re just trying to work along with the city to make the area look right,” Spencer said. “We’re paying for our part.”

Harmon said he doesn’t question the good intentions of the city or dealership.

“Transportation enhancement projects normally shield businesses. This showcases a commercial business, rather than be a true beautification project,” Harmon said.

The Federal Highway Administration and Federal Transit Administration require a draft of the TIP be submitted to the Ohio Department of Transportation by early March. A copy of the draft list is available at MVRPC.org. The list is a work in progress and the public will have a chance to comment on projects at a public meeting to be scheduled in April. Projects that don’t make it on to the TIP list aren’t eligible for federal transportation funding.