Meeting Minutes: Licenses and Permits Committee of the Somerville City Council
Meeting Date: October [Day, Year - not specified in transcript] Governing Body: Somerville City Council, Licenses and Permits Committee Type of Meeting: Committee Meeting (Remote Participation) Attendees:
- Willie Burnley, Jr., Councilor (Chair)
- Jesse Clingan, Councilor
- Lance Davis, Councilor (Absent)
- Clerk
Executive Summary
The Licenses and Permits Committee convened to address several licensing applications. Key decisions included the recommendation for approval of a new flammables license for POAH Clarendon LLC for a generator, a new garage license for Roman Auto Repair, LLC, and a new dog kennel license for Pup Yard. The committee also recommended approval for an extended operating hours license for Mint Indian Eatery until 4:00 AM, following a discussion on potential noise impacts on residents. The minutes from the June 25th, 2025 meeting were also approved.
1. Committee Minutes
- Item: Approval of the Minutes of License and Permits Committee of June 25th, 2025.
- Discussion: No questions or comments from committee members.
- Outcome: Minutes were laid on the table for approval.
- Vote:
- Motion to approve minutes: Councilor Clingan.
- Roll Call Vote:
- Councilor Davis: Absent
- Councilor Clingan: Yes
- Councilor Burnley: Aye
- Result: Two in favor, one absent. Motion passed.
2. Public Hearings
2.1. New Flammables License
- Item: POAH Clarendon LLC, 20 Stevenson Amman Street, storing 1,001 gallons.
- Applicant Representative: Jamie Carroll, Senior Development Associate at POAH.
- Purpose: The application is for a flammables license for backup fuel for a generator, specifically 1,001 gallons, to be used in case of emergency power outages.
- Discussion:
- Councilor Burnley confirmed the 1,001 gallons are strictly for generator use.
- Applicant confirmed no other flammables are on the property to their understanding.
- No questions from committee members or public.
- Outcome: Public hearing declared closed.
- Vote:
- Motion to recommend for approval: Councilor Burnley.
- Roll Call Vote:
- Councilor Davis: Absent
- Councilor Clingan: Yes
- Councilor Burnley: Aye
- Result: Two in favor, one absent. Motion passed.
- Condition: Applicant advised not to act on the license until it is officially in hand after full City Council approval.
2.2. New Garage License
- Item: Roman Auto Repair, LLC, 45 Mystic Ave. Five vehicles inside, four vehicles outside. Operating hours: Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM; Saturday, 7:00 AM to 12:00 PM; Sunday, closed.
- Applicant Representative: Michael Abruzzese.
- Purpose: To obtain a garage license for mechanical repairs at 45 Mystic Ave, a location previously used for auto repair. Mr. Abruzzese also owns Romanine Works at 55 Mystic Ave.
- Discussion:
- Mr. Abruzzese confirmed his long-standing business presence in Somerville (55 years at 55 Mystic Ave) and no prior complaints or tickets from the city.
- Councilor Burnley emphasized the importance of not parking outside vehicles on sidewalks or blocking public access.
- Councilor Clingan noted the location was formerly Hillside Service Center, and this is a new owner license for the same use. He expressed support, emphasizing the need to be a "good neighbor."
- No public comments.
- Outcome: Public hearing declared closed.
- Vote:
- Motion to recommend for approval: Councilor Clingan.
- Roll Call Vote:
- Councilor Davis: Absent
- Councilor Clingan: Yes
- Councilor Burnley: Aye
- Result: Two in favor, one absent. Motion passed.
- Condition: Applicant advised not to act on the license until it is officially in hand.
2.3. New Dog Kennel License
- Item: Pup Yard, 321 Somerville Avenue. 30 dogs maximum for commercial boarding/training.
- Applicant Representatives: Gregory Turco and Terry Bonner (business partner).
- Purpose: To open a dog kennel business in Somerville, focusing on doggy daycare and training, with a maximum capacity of 30 dogs.
- Discussion:
- Gregory Turco highlighted his 8 years of experience in the dog business and his family's history of opening businesses in Somerville.
- The application is not for overnight stays; no dogs will be allowed to stay overnight.
- Councilor Burnley inquired about staffing levels and ensuring the facility is habitable for animals (warmth in winter, adequate staff).
- Mr. Turco stated they aim for groups of 5-10 dogs per staff member, exceeding "Ollie's Law" requirements, and that the space is designed to be very accommodating for dogs.
- Terry Bonner affirmed their dedication to the well-being of the dogs.
- Councilor Clingan confirmed the entire space would be dedicated to dogs, with minimal retail. He expressed support, emphasizing safety as a priority.
- Councilor Burnley offered to tour the facility or attend the opening day.
- Concerns about understaffing and animal welfare were addressed by the applicants.
- No public comments.
- Outcome: Public hearing declared closed.
- Vote:
- Motion to recommend for approval: Councilor Burnley.
- Roll Call Vote:
- Councilor Davis: Absent
- Councilor Clingan: Yes
- Councilor Burnley: Aye
- Result: Two in favor, one absent. Motion passed.
- Condition: Applicant advised not to act on the license until it is officially in hand.
2.4. New Extended Operating Hours License
- Item: Mint Indian Eatery, 868 Broadway, for in-store, takeout, and delivery services until 4:00 AM.
- Applicant Representative: Rajesh Thapa.
- Purpose: To extend operating hours until 4:00 AM to serve Tufts University students and late-night customers, as no other Indian restaurants in the area are open past 10:00 PM.
- Discussion:
- Rajesh Thapa explained the demand for late-night Indian food, particularly from students, and his previous experience running a pizzeria until 4:00 AM in Cambridge.
- Councilor Clingan expressed general support for extended hours, noting the location is in a business district and has not generated public opposition. He referenced previous approvals in Ward 4 without issues.
- Councilor Burnley raised concerns about potential noise impact on nearby residents, especially at late hours.
- Mr. Thapa stated that most late-night business would be third-party delivery, not walk-ins, and that the establishment is a small takeout place with 18 seats, not playing loud music. He anticipates quick pick-ups by delivery drivers, minimizing loitering.
- Councilor Burnley noted the city's noise complaint ordinance and the possibility of future review if complaints arise.
- Public Comment:
- Ari Ocorino (Ward 7 Resident): Supported late-night options but inquired about managing noise from delivery drivers, particularly music blasting.
- Applicant Response: Mr. Thapa stated that in his experience, delivery drivers are mindful in quiet neighborhoods. He expects quick grab-and-go service due to available parking and streamlined operations, minimizing driver wait times and potential noise.
- Councilor Clingan reiterated his support, citing positive experiences with other late-night establishments like "The Falafel Place" (3:00 AM license) in Ward 4, which have not generated noise complaints.
- Outcome: Public hearing declared closed.
- Vote:
- Motion to recommend for approval: Councilor Burnley.
- Roll Call Vote:
- Councilor Davis: Absent
- Councilor Clingan: Yes
- Councilor Burnley: Aye
- Result: Two in favor, one absent. Motion passed.
- Condition: Applicant advised not to operate before receiving the official license.
Adjournment
- Motion to adjourn: Councilor Clingan.
- Roll Call Vote:
- Councilor Davis: Absent
- Councilor Clingan: Yes
- Councilor Burnley: Aye
- Result: Two in favor, one absent. Meeting adjourned.