Executive Summary
The Somerville Licenses and Permits Committee met on January 21, 2026, to address a new used car dealer license and a utility grant of location. The committee recommended approval for a Class 2 license for Union Square Auto Sales at 39 Webster Avenue after confirming the operators' successful history with other local businesses. However, regarding an Eversource grant of location on Warwick Street, the committee voted to refer the matter to the full City Council without recommendation to allow for further engagement with a concerned abutter regarding the aesthetic and structural condition of the utility pole.
Meeting Information
- Date: January 21, 2026
- Governing Body: Licenses and Permits Committee
- Meeting Type: Committee Meeting
- Attendees:
- Chair Emily Hardt (Ward 7 City Councilor)
- Councilor Lance Davis
- Councilor Ben Wheeler
- Clerk Pottier
Approval of Minutes (Item 25-1862)
- Subject: Approval of the minutes from the Licenses and Permits Committee meeting held on December 10, 2025.
- Action: The minutes were approved at the conclusion of the meeting.
- Vote Outcome: Approved 3-0.
- Ayes: Councilor Davis, Councilor Wheeler, Chair Hardt.
Public Hearing: New Used Car Dealer License (ID 25-1702)
- Subject: Application for a new Class 2 used car dealer license for Union Square Auto Sales LLC at 39 Webster Avenue.
- Specifications:
- Capacity: 20 vehicles outside.
- Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.; Sunday, Closed.
- Discussion:
- Attorney Adam Dash (48 Grove Street): Representing the applicant, Dash stated the property has historically been used as a dealership. He noted, "The applicant is just looking to do the same thing in the same place in the same manner as the prior dealer. They just need their own license is all."
- Chris Svigos (Applicant): Confirmed that their other business, Assembly Square Auto Sales on Mystic Avenue, has had no complaints or citations from the city.
- Councilor Wheeler: Inquired about the process for tracking business operators to ensure compliance. Attorney Dash explained the rigorous requirements, including bonds, letters of recommendation, and criminal record checks.
- Public Comment: No members of the public spoke during the hearing.
- Action: The committee voted to recommend approval to the full City Council.
- Vote Outcome: Recommended for Approval 3-0.
- Ayes: Councilor Davis, Councilor Wheeler, Chair Hardt.
Grant of Location: Eversource (ID 25-1754)
- Subject: Eversource application to install 38 feet of conduit in Warwick Street from Utility Pole 357/3 to a point of pickup at 16 Warwick Street.
- Discussion:
- Hannah Cooper (Eversource): Clarified that of the three risers on the pole, Eversource owns two (one primary line and one spare). A new riser is required for the conduit to the accessory dwelling unit at 16 Warwick Street.
- Councilor Davis: Expressed concern regarding the aesthetic state of the pole, describing it as a "hodgepodge" and requesting it be "tidied up to the fullest extent reasonably possible."
- Councilor Wheeler: Suggested holding the item to ensure the abutter's concerns from a previous meeting were addressed through better communication.
- Action: Councilor Davis moved to refer the item to the City Council without recommendation to provide flexibility for further discussion at the full Council meeting on January 22, 2026.
- Vote Outcome: Referred without Recommendation 3-0.
- Ayes: Councilor Davis, Councilor Wheeler, Chair Hardt.
Adjournment
- Action: Motion to adjourn made by Councilor Davis.
- Vote Outcome: Approved 3-0.
- Ayes: Councilor Davis, Councilor Wheeler, Chair Hardt.