Matters ▸ Attachment
Committee Report - L&P - 5-18-16 — File 201518
Licenses and Permits Committee
Page 1 of 4
Printed 5/26/2016
May 18, 2016
REPORT OF THE LICENSES AND PERMITS COMMITTEE
Attendee Name
Title
Status
Arrived
Dennis M. Sullivan
Chair
Present
Maryann M. Heuston
Vice Chair
Present
John M. Connolly
Alderman At Large
Present
Others present: Alderman Matt McLaughlin, Michael Glavin - OSPCD, John Long - City Clerk,
Charles Sillari - Clerk of Committees
The meeting took place in the Committee Room and was called to order at 6:30 PM by
Alderman Sullivan and adjourned at 7:56 PM.
Document List:
•
161 Broadway (with 200454 and 201143)
Approval of the March 16, 2016 Minutes
RESULT:
ACCEPTED
Public Hearing: 200993 - BBC Auto Repair The applicant spoke about his prior experience.
Public Hearing: 201213 - Clover Fast Food The applicant spoke about his operation as a
vegetarian fast food provider for all demographics. He would like to operate on College
Avenue at the Tufts campus, on Holland Street (across from Johhny D’s) and in Union
Square outside of the Independent.
Public Hearing: 201292 - Autobody Squad (45 Webster Ave) The applicant discussed his
business experience and said that he only does auto body work. A neighbors expressed
concern about the spray booth and environmental safety as well as parking issues.
Public Hearing: 201293 - Autobody Squad (47 Webster Ave) The applicant explained why he
is seeking to use the lot at 47 Webster Avenue and said he uses state-of-the-art technology
and the safest paint available. The Fire Department has inspected and approved the site. A
neighbor expressed concern about the business’s impact on nearby local gardens
Licenses and Permits Committee
Page 2 of 4
Printed 5/26/2016
Public Hearing: 201294 - PJ's Motor Cars Attorney Ann Vigorito spoke on behalf of the
applicant and explained that only the corporate name is changing.
Public Hearing: 201457 - Barnes and Walsh Co. The current owner has worked at this
location for 30 years, however, due to declining health issues, he would like to rent the
space. The applicant spoke about his background in the business and explained why he
wants to take over the space. Resident Andrew Silva stated that most neighbors are against
the item but some, including himself, are not opposed to it.
200454: That the Supervisor of Inspectional Services ascertain the appropriate number of
vehicles to be stored on the lot at 161 Broadway so as not to impair public safety.
Mr. Long told the committee that complaints were received regarding this business. The owner,
Mr. Piantedosi, explained that he uses his bobcat to clean the sidewalk for the neighborhood.
Attorney Ann Vigorito explained the history of the building and Mr. Piantedosi discussed
challenges with the building and said that development of the property could happen someday.
He is concerned about parking, saying that it has become difficult over the years. He also stated
that he would like to relocate the entrance to the building. The property owner said the building
has been used for 100 years and that 100 people were notified of the hearing tonight and nobody
showed up.
Alderman McLaughlin is concerned about the aesthetics and public safety and Alderman
Heuston explained how neighbors are also concerned about aesthetics and suggested a landscape
buffer to differentiate city land from private land. Chairman Sullivan suggested that Mr.
Piantedosi work with the aldermen to conform to the city regulations. Alderman Heuston feels
that the size of the curb cut is too large and she would like to see planters installed to create a
buffer. Alderman Connolly suggested that a neighborhood meeting be held and that renderings
be provided.
RESULT:
WORK COMPLETED
200993: New Garage License, BBC Auto Repair, 42 Joy St, 8 autos inside, 0 outside.
Alderman Heuston has no objection to this item as long as the parking conditions are adhered to.
RESULT:
APPROVED
201143: That the Director of Traffic and Parking and the Chief of Police regularly inspect
161 Broadway for double parked vehicles and other traffic violations.
See 200454
RESULT:
WORK COMPLETED
201213: New Mobile Food Vendor, Clover Fast Food, operating at the Tufts campus Mon-
Licenses and Permits Committee
Page 3 of 4
Printed 5/26/2016
Wed 4-8PM, Davis Sq Thu-Fri 4-10PM, and Union Sq Sat 4-10PM.
Alderman Connolly expressed concern for the local brick-and-mortar businesses and suggested a
limited license for a shorter period, possibly conditional for 30 to 60 days. Alderman Heuston
stated that the late owner of the Independent was not opposed to it. Chairman Sullivan would
like to wait to hear from the Ward 6 Aldermen. The item was approved pending approval by the
Board of Aldermen.
RESULT:
APPROVED
201292: New Garage License, Autobody Squad, 45 Webster Ave, Mechanical repairs,
autobody work, spray painting, washing vehicles, storing vehicles, 6 autos inside, 2 outside.
RESULT:
WITHDRAWN
201293: New Garage License, Autobody Squad, 47 Webster Ave, Autobody work, washing
vehicles and storing vehicles, 8 autos inside, 3 outside.
Alderman Heuston asked if the applicant is currently operating at the site and the applicant
replied that he has been there since September. Alderman Heuston doesn't want to approve the
item because the property is currently a mess and she's against these types of businesses. She
also cited other reasons for her opposition. The applicant withdrew his application after being
urged to do so by Chairman Sullivan. Alderman Heuston pointed out that the applicant may not
operate his business at that location.
RESULT:
WITHDRAWN
201294: New Garage License, Broadway Motorcars, 161 Broadway, vehicle storage,
mechanical repairs, washing vehicles for 33 autos inside.
Alderman McLaughlin asked if everything is staying the same with respect to parking, adding
that he feels there are too many vehicles at this location. He also would like to not have display
vehicles outside.
RESULT:
APPROVED
201373: New Hawker Peddler License, Francisca Morales dba Chiki Galvez.
The applicant wants to sell beverages and snacks at soccer games. Mr. Long stated the hours
requested are Sundays from 8 AM to 8 PM but noted that a hawker/peddler license is open
ended. Alderman Connolly asked if the concession would be operating on Saturdays and
whether there was community support for the service. Mr. Long explained that the applicant was
approved before. Alderman McLaughlin expressed concern about litter.
Licenses and Permits Committee
Page 4 of 4
Printed 5/26/2016
RESULT:
APPROVED
201446: Traffic and Parking Director submitting responses to various Board Orders
submitted 4/14/16.
RESULT:
WORK COMPLETED
201457: New Garage License, Paul Carneiro dba Barnes and Walsh, 224 Somerville Ave,
autobody work and spray painting, 10 cars inside, 5 outside.
Alderman Heuston stated that this business has been a good neighbor for years and that the
applicant is also playing by the rules. It is a small, contained business and she asked if the
applicant would be amenable to reducing the amount of stored cars outside from 5 to 4. The
applicant agreed to the reduction.
RESULT:
APPROVED AS AMENDED