Meeting Minutes: City Council's Committee on Community and Business Development
Governing Body: City Council's Committee on Community and Business Development Meeting Type: Committee Meeting Meeting Date: November 10, 2025 Attendees:
- Michael Marchese - Councilor (Present)
- John Hanlon - Councilor (Present)
- Holly Garcia - Councilor (Present)
- Wayne Matewsky - Councilor (Present)
Executive Summary: The Committee on Community and Business Development convened to address two petitions for new licenses. The first, a request for a new mechanical repair license for Everett Auto Center at 35 Orient Avenue, was approved with a 3-1 vote despite the petitioner's absence. The second petition, for a new Class II motor vehicle dealer license for Intercar Auto Sales at 70 Chelsea Street, was approved unanimously after a discussion with the petitioners regarding their business operations, hours, and vehicle sourcing and repair policies.
1. Petition by Councilor Stephanie Martins: New Mechanical Repair License for Everett Auto Center
Petitioner: Everett Auto Center Location: 35 Orient Avenue License Type: New Mechanical Repair License
- Discussion:
- Councilor Matewsky noted the petitioner's absence but highlighted their previous attendance at a City Council meeting and a Board of Appeals meeting where a variance was granted.
- Councilor Matewsky vouched for the petitioner's character and the quality of their proposed business, which specializes in classic and upscale cars, emphasizing its distance from residential properties and plans for an apprenticeship program with the high school.
- The Committee confirmed that all necessary paperwork was in order and that there were no liens on the property.
- Councilor Hanlon expressed concern about the petitioner's absence, stating, "When they try to get a license promise, you know, they should be here."
- Councilor Matewsky clarified that the petitioner might be unfamiliar with City Hall procedures and could be in the main council chambers rather than the committee room. He also mentioned the petitioner's community ties, including family members with local businesses.
- Motion: Councilor Garcia moved for favorable action.
- Second: Councilor Matewsky seconded the motion.
- Vote:
- For: 3 (Councilor Marchese, Councilor Garcia, Councilor Matewsky)
- Against: 1 (Councilor Hanlon)
- Abstentions: 0
- Outcome: The motion for favorable action passed 3-1. The petition will be forwarded to the full City Council.
2. Petition by Councilor Stephanie Martins: New Class II Motor Vehicle Dealer License for Intercar Auto Sales
Petitioner: Intercar Auto Sales (represented by Anna and Alexander) Location: 70 Chelsea Street License Type: New Class II Motor Vehicle Dealer License
- Discussion:
- The petitioners, Anna and Alexander, were present.
- Business History: Anna stated they previously operated a dealership in Somerville for four years and currently maintain a dealership in New Hampshire. Anna will manage the Everett location, while her father, Alexander, will oversee the New Hampshire operation.
- Hours of Operation:
- Monday - Friday: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Sunday: Closed, but open by appointment for customer vehicle pickups.
- Vehicle Specialization: The dealership will sell "all cars," focusing on used vehicles sourced from high-end auctions.
- Location Details:
- The location at 70 Chelsea Street was previously a car dealership (Everett Used Cars).
- Councilor Matewsky inquired about the number of cars allowed on the lot, referencing past issues with a previous tenant having "too many cars on the lot."
- Anna stated that an inspector indicated a capacity for "24 vehicles available and 8 parking spots for customers and employees."
- Councilor Garcia suggested formally documenting the vehicle capacity in the license.
- The location is near an elderly center, and the petitioners acknowledged the need to respect foot traffic and the neighborhood.
- Vehicle Inspection and Repairs:
- Vehicles are inspected before sale.
- Intercar Auto Sales does not have an in-house mechanic but partners with local mechanic shops, including Marcelo's Auto Body in Somerville and Genus Auto Repairs.
- Anna confirmed that Intercar Auto Sales is responsible for repair costs if a vehicle has issues covered by the Lemon Law warranty, which varies from 30 to 90 days depending on vehicle mileage.
- Motion: A motion was made to excuse the petitioners.
- Second: The motion was seconded.
- Vote: Unanimous.
- Motion: Councilor Garcia moved for favorable action.
- Second: The motion was seconded.
- Vote:
- For: 4 (Councilor Marchese, Councilor Hanlon, Councilor Garcia, Councilor Matewsky)
- Against: 0
- Abstentions: 0
- Outcome: The motion for favorable action passed unanimously.
3. Adjournment
- Motion: A motion was made to adjourn the meeting.
- Second: The motion was seconded.
- Vote: Unanimous.
- Outcome: The meeting was adjourned.