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Licenses and Permits Committee

Wednesday, October 8, 2025 at 6 PM

Online only

This meeting has happened. Minutes are final.

What happened

5 items of legislation were taken up.

  • 4 recommended to be approved
  • 1 accepted

Agenda 5 items

Notices from the agenda

This meeting was held via Zoom and was called to order by Chair Burnley at 6:01 pm and adjourned at 6:35 pm on a roll call vote of 2 in favor (Councilors Clingan, and Burnley), 0 opposed, and 1 absent (Councilor Davis). Chair Burnley noted that Councilor Davis was attending the Ward 6 Community Meeting. Others present: John Doyle - Assistant City Clerk

(Posted online: 9/19/25 at 11:45 AM) Original (Posted online: 9/26/25 at 11:45 AM) Revised

Pursuant to Chapter 2 of the Acts of 2025, this meeting of a City Council Committee will be conducted via remote participation. We will post an audio recording, audio-video recording, transcript, or other comprehensive record of these proceedings as soon as possible after the meeting on the City of Somerville website and local cable access government channels. Copy & paste the following link into your internet browser to view this meeting live: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_dZxuQk6uRyGiDk-lYdj5zg Individuals with disabilities who need auxiliary aids and services for effective communication (i.e. CART, ASL), written materials in alternative formats, or reasonable modifications in policies and procedures, in order to access the programs and activities of the City of Somerville or to attend meetings, should contact Adrienne Pomeroy in advance, at 617-625-6600 x2059 or ada@somervillema.gov.

Roll Call

  1. 1.
    25-1203 Committee Minutes Accepted

    Approval of the Minutes of the Licenses and Permits Committee Meeting of June 25, 2025.

    Roll call: 2 aye · 1 absent
    • Willie Burnley Jr.Aye
    • Jesse ClinganAye
    • Lance L. DavisAbsent
  2. 2. Public Hearings
  3. 2.1.
    25-1318 License Recommended to be approved

    New Flammables License, POAH Clarendon LLC, 20 Stephenson Aman Street, storing 1,001 gallons.

    {\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f1\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Aptos;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;} \viewkind4\uc1\pard\nowidctlpar\tx360\tx720\tx1080\tx1440\tx1800\tx2160\tx2520\tx2880\tx3240\tx3600\tx3960\tx4320\tx4680\tx5040\tx5400\tx5760\tx6120\tx6480\tx6840\tx7200\cf1\kerning2\f0\fs24 The Chair opened the public hearing. Jamie Caroll, Senior Development Associate at POAH Clarendon, LLC, explained that this is for the backup fuel for the generator at the project. Chair Burnley asked if there are any other flammables on the property, and the applicant responded there are not. The Chair closed the public hearing. The Chair reminded the applicant that the full City Council must approve the item, and the applicant will be informed when the license is issued\f1\fs20 .\par \pard\kerning0\f0\fs24\par }

    Roll call: 2 aye · 1 absent
    • Willie Burnley Jr.Aye
    • Jesse ClinganAye
    • Lance L. DavisAbsent
  4. 2.2.
    25-1467 License Recommended to be approved

    New Garage License, Roman Auto Repair LLC, 45 Mystic Avenue, 5 Vehicles inside, 4 Vehicles outside, Mon-Fri: 7am-5pm, Sat: 7am-12pm, Sun: closed.

    {\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;} \viewkind4\uc1\pard\cf1\kerning2\f0\fs24 The Chair opened the public hearing. Michael Abruzzese, representing Roman Auto Repair LLC, explained that he is seeking this license to open a new business next to his existing business. Chair Burnley asked the applicant about his other businesses, and the applicant said he owns Roman Iron Works at 55 Mystic Ave and has been there for 55 years. The Chair asked if the applicant has received any violations as a business owner in Somerville, and the applicant said he has not. Chair Burnley stressed that vehicles may not be parked on sidewalks or block any public access. Councilor Clingan emphasized the importance of continuing to be a good neighbor. The Chair closed the public hearing. The Chair reminded the applicant that he cannot take action until the license is issued.\kerning0\par }

    Roll call: 2 aye · 1 absent
    • Willie Burnley Jr.Aye
    • Jesse ClinganAye
    • Lance L. DavisAbsent
  5. 3.
    25-1367 License Recommended to be approved

    New Dog Kennel License, Pup Yard, 321 Somerville Avenue, 30 dogs maximum, commercial boarding/training.

    {\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f1\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Aptos;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;} \viewkind4\uc1\pard\nowidctlpar\tx360\tx720\tx1080\tx1440\tx1800\tx2160\tx2520\tx2880\tx3240\tx3600\tx3960\tx4320\tx4680\tx5040\tx5400\tx5760\tx6120\tx6480\tx6840\tx7200\cf1\kerning2\f0\fs24 The applicant, Gregory Turco, explained that he has had a dog business for approximately eight years, and many of his customers are in the Somerville area. He has worked with other rescue and kennel associations in the area and looks to continue in Somerville. Chair Burnley noted that this is not an overnight license, and asked the applicant to confirm that the space will be habitable for animals, including climate control and staffing. The applicant explained that he has a high standard for running his businesses, and expects 5-6 dogs at most in Pup Yard at any given time, which is even lower than what the new kennel law will allow. Thierry Bonheur, Mr. Turco\rquote s partner, is a gym owner in Everett and commented that he is dedicated to supporting the well-being of the dogs. Councilor Clingan asked the applicant if the whole space will be used for the dogs, and the applicant confirmed it will be, with only a very small retail space. The Chair reminded the applicant not to begin operating before receiving the license.\f1\fs18\par \pard\kerning0\f0\fs24\par }

    Roll call: 2 aye · 1 absent
    • Willie Burnley Jr.Aye
    • Jesse ClinganAye
    • Lance L. DavisAbsent
  6. 4.
    25-1316 License Recommended to be approved

    New Extended Operating Hours License, Mint Indian Eatery, 868 Broadway, for in-store, take-out, and delivery services until 4am.

    {\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f1\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Aptos;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;} \viewkind4\uc1\pard\nowidctlpar\tx360\tx720\tx1080\tx1440\tx1800\tx2160\tx2520\tx2880\tx3240\tx3600\tx3960\tx4320\tx4680\tx5040\tx5400\tx5760\tx6120\tx6480\tx6840\tx7200\cf1\kerning2\f0\fs24 Rajesh Thapa, owner of Mint Indian Eatery, explained that he is seeking this license to serve the neighborhood, which is near Tufts University, and where many residents order from Boston and Cambridge because most restaurants close at 10pm. Councilor Clingan stated that he thinks this area of the City is a good area for a late-night food option and that he sees no issue with this business operating there. Chair Burnley highlighted that his concern is the impact on neighbors, and traffic congestion, and asked the applicant to speak to potential noise issues. The applicant explained that he expects most of the patrons, especially late night, will be third-party delivery companies simply picking up the food. The applicant also explained that music will not be played, and that he does not anticipate it being so excessively busy to cause traffic during these hours. \par The Chair sponsored Ari Iaccarino, Ward 7 resident, to speak on this item, who stated that he is in support of this extended operating hours license. Mr. Iaccarino asked the applicant about third-party delivery drivers blasting music and how the business would address that. The applicant responded that in his experience as an owner of a pizzeria in Cambridge, delivery drivers are mindful and do not blast music, and typically the delivery drivers just quickly grab the food and go. The Chair reminded the applicant that they cannot take action before receiving the license.\f1\fs18\par \pard\kerning0\f0\fs24\par }

    Roll call: 2 aye · 1 absent
    • Willie Burnley Jr.Aye
    • Jesse ClinganAye
    • Lance L. DavisAbsent