So it is ironic to know that as Dwayne Lane’s opened its new dealership at Island Crossing this week, that was the reason behind a 21-year delay in construction.

“It was an open space issue,” Tom Lane said, explaining many people that long ago wanted to keep the area as agricultural land and control urban sprawl.

Lawsuits tied up the project for years, but the new dealership was built to ease concerns about flooding and salmon habitat by working with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and National Marine Fisheries Services.

“The rules changed on us a number of times, and we were led astray by a couple of elected officials, but it was what is was,” Lane said.

There were times when he thought the dealership might not ever happen because of all the obstacles. But Lane said he is willing to let bygones be bygones.

“This has eluded us for so long that is makes it that much more thrilling,” Lane said. “We stuck with it, which makes us half steadfast and half looney. We’re ready to forgive and forget the negatives.”

He said it is surreal to see something envisioned for so long come to life and that his dad, Dwayne, 80, was able to see it finally happen.

As for the dealership itself, public relations director Sheila Countryman-Bean said it sold its first car, a new Camaro, on its opening day Sept. 28. Along with selling new and used cars the dealership also has a huge showroom and service center.

The service center has a quick-service area for oil changes. The section for other work has 13 bays. Another area is set aside for detail work. All areas are enclosed and heated for the comfort of customers and employees, Countryman-Bean said.

Other features include: a customer lounge, parts department, kids play area, coffee bar-refreshment center and meeting room that at times the public will be able to use.

She said the official grand opening of the dealership will be Oct. 9, with prizes and specials throughout the month.