WESTBOROUGH – There are still issues with parking and logbooks, but Westboro Mobil on East Main Street had its Class II dealers license renewed – for two months.
That’s to give town officials and owner Jack Azar time to fulfill several conditions, including how many vehicles can be on the lot, either for repairs or for sale.
In November, the Select Board granted Westboro Mobil a conditional Class II license contingent on keeping the site’s access to High Street clear and making available the logbooks for 2021 and 2022.
During the Dec. 27 Select Board meeting, Azar and his attorney, David McKay, told board members that the station has passed several inspections by local and state police.
“[Mr. Azar] has done all he could do to maintain compliance,” said McKay, adding that the cleanliness and appearance of the station has improved since the November meeting.
This includes the placement of cones at the right side of the station to mark off vehicles for sale.
Select Board member Allen Edinberg said that High Street still gets blocked, and “there’s still no room for emergency vehicles.”
“Parking is still problematic,” said Select Board member Shelby Marshall.
McKay responded that the lower entrance along High Street remains open, but there are “a lot of customers using the station.”
“We do need some flexibility because of space limitations,” said McKay.
“We try to keep it open as much as possible,” said Azar.
Edinberg raised the issue of the logbooks, which was one of the main reasons why the license was suspended last summer.
While McKay said he was not aware of any issue, both Edinberg and Marshall said they wanted to see the logbook from June to December 2021.
McKay said the logbooks will be made available to the town.
There was further discussion during the meeting about conditions for granting the license.
McKay suggested a license with five conditions, including a limit on parking; lined spaces; cars for sale will have “For Sale” signs attached; maintain access to High Street; and maintain updated and accurate logbooks.
He also suggested that an engineer be brought in to design a parking plan for the site.
The board voted to grant the license through Feb. 28, 2023, contingent on having Azar turn in the logbook for June to December 2021 to the town and working with the town to resolve the other issues.
Board members are hoping the latest plans will bring closure to a years-long dispute with how the station conducts its business.
“This has been a burden to us,” said Chair Ian Johnson, noting the number of inspections, meetings and warnings concerning Westboro Mobil.
“Let’s close this out once and for all,” said Marshall.
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