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Licenses and Permits Committee — Minutes, Feb 25, 2026

Licenses and Permits Committee meeting, Feb 25, 2026·3 pages·📄 Original PDF (city portal)
City of Somerville, Massachusetts City Council Licenses and Permits Committee Meeting Minutes 6:00 PM Wednesday, February 25, 2026 This meeting was held via Zoom and was called to order by Chair Hardt at 6:00 p.m. and adjourned at 6:24 p.m. on a Roll Call Vote of 3 in favor (Councilors Davis, Wheeler, Hardt), 0 opposed. Others present: Michael Potere – Assistant City Clerk. Roll Call Ward Six City Councilor Lance L. Davis, City Councilor At Large Ben Wheeler and Ward Seven City Councilor Emily Hardt Present: 1. Approval of the Minutes of the Licenses and Permits Committee Meeting of February 11, 2026. Committee Minutes (ID # 26-0264) ACCEPTED RESULT: Ward Six City Councilor Davis, City Councilor At Large Wheeler and Ward Seven City Councilor Hardt AYE: 2. Public Hearing 2.1. New Used Car Dealer Class 2 License, USA Auto Hub, 61 Prospect Street, 15 vehicles outside, Mon-Fri: 9am-7pm, Sat: 9am-3pm, Sun: closed. License (ID # 26-0115) Chair Hardt noted that the substance of this item was previously discussed by this Committee on February 11, 2026, and that it is on this agenda to hold a public hearing. The applicant appeared at the February 11th meeting and explained that they are the new owner of the business but are not making any changes other than to change the name for marketing purposes, that they have an auto body shop in Weymouth called South Shop Prime Collision that has strong customer service reviews, and that they are a Somerville resident of ten years Chair Hardt opened the public hearing at 6:02 p.m. There being no speakers, Chair Hardt closed the public hearing at 6:03 p.m. RECOMMENDED TO BE APPROVED RESULT: Ward Six City Councilor Davis, City Councilor At Large Wheeler and Ward Seven City Councilor Hardt AYE: Page 1 of 3
Licenses and Permits Committee Meeting Minutes February 25, 2026 3. Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install a total of 25 feet of conduit in Oak Street, from Utility Pole 258/2 to a point of pickup at 10 Oak Street. Grant of Location (ID # 26-0177) Chair Hardt stated that this item would be taken together with item 26-0185. Jacqueline Duffy, the applicant representing Eversource, explained that she understands that the issue regarding these applications is that the property to be serviced is under construction but there are no active building permits, and that Eversource does not have additional information on this question because they are not the developers of the property. Councilor Wheeler asked why this application was filed if there is no active building permit, and the applicant replied that Eversource submits applications when the requests for service are received so they can be timely approved in advance of the necessary construction. Chair Hardt stated that this item would be kept in committee to await more information regarding the property. KEPT IN COMMITTEE RESULT: 4. Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install a total of 62 feet of conduit in Ivaloo Street, from Utility Pole 179/5 to a point of pickup at 38 Ivaloo Street. Grant of Location (ID # 26-0181) Chair Hardt stated that this item was referred to this Committee due to concerns raised by a resident regarding double poles on the street and excessive wires hanging from other poles interfering with tree branches. Jacqueline Duffy, the applicant representing Eversource, stated that she went to the street and took photos and noted that one double pole has planned work but is awaiting transfers from other utilities to remove existing wiring, and that two others look like they need to be replaced. Representative Duffy also noted that she does not have more information because many of the company’s technicians are working on Cape Cod repairing damage from the recent snowstorm, and when they have an opportunity to review, they may come to a different conclusion. Chair Hardt asked if this application is to service new construction, and the applicant replied that she drove by and it appears to her to be an upgrade to an existing structure. Chair Hardt stated that this item will be kept in committee pending additional information from Eversource representatives regarding the recommended service for the poles on this street. KEPT IN COMMITTEE RESULT: 5. Eversource applying for a Grant of Location to install a total of 75 feet of conduit in Prospect Street, from Utility Pole 291/12 to a point of pickup at 91 Prospect Street. Grant of Location (ID # 26-0185) Page 2 of 3
Licenses and Permits Committee Meeting Minutes February 25, 2026 This item was taken together with item 26-0177. Chair Hardt stated that this item will be discharged with no recommendation so a public hearing can be properly noticed and conducted before the City Council. RECOMMENDED TO BE DISCHARGED WITH NO RECOMMENDATION RESULT: Ward Six City Councilor Davis, City Councilor At Large Wheeler and Ward Seven City Councilor Hardt AYE: Page 3 of 3