MARLBOROUGH – The City Council approved 10-1 an application for a special permit for Professional Automotive on Mechanic Street on Monday, Sept. 18.
The permit will allow the business to expand into an adjacent building, which was a former glass shop.
“We appreciate the City Council voting in our favor, with the exception of outgoing Laura Wagner,” said owner Rick Marino. “We look forward to making improvements to our properties, to better the community and continue the long-lasting relationships we have with the residents of Marlborough and surrounding towns.”
Wagner said she was not against the business itself, just the zoning. She had objected to the application because the proposed use – an automotive business – is not allowed under the Village District’s zoning regulations.
“I think it’s a mistake to approve,” said Wagner.
RELATED CONTENT: Urban Affairs approves special permit for Professional Automotive
Professional Automotive plans to install two garage doors along the side of the building; a new bathroom; an equipment storage platform; and three automotive lifts.
The permit would still be subject to the Site Plan Review Committee, in accordance with the city’s Site Plan Review ordinance.
Under the conditions for the special permit, all auto repair activities will take place indoors. All loading and unloading shall take place within the site and not on Mechanic Street; and no deliveries of materials or equipment or shipments from the site shall be permitted on Sunday.
RELATED CONTENT: Auto shop draws support for special permit request
Professional Automotive would also maintain the right-of-way for 7-9 Mechanic St.
The maximum hours for auto repair activities – excluding administrative and maintenance operations, and employees arriving and leaving before and after shifts – shall be Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
