During a recent government meeting, concerns were raised regarding the management of a local auto dealership, 5 Star Auto, owned by Mr. Mahmood. Residents expressed frustration over the accumulation of non-operational vehicles on the property, which they claim has attracted undesirable activities, including drug deals. Multiple community members reported that the situation has persisted despite numerous complaints to local authorities.
One resident highlighted the ongoing issues, stating, \"We've seen plenty of drug deals on his property. We've called the police multiple times.\" Another former property owner shared their own struggles with city officials over similar issues, emphasizing that merely erecting a fence would not resolve the underlying problems of vehicle overflow and safety hazards on the street.
Mr. Mahmood defended his business practices, asserting that he only sells cars and does not operate a repair shop. He acknowledged the presence of vehicles on his property but attributed some of the issues to tenants and neighboring businesses. He stated, \"I’m trying to move my tenant out from there,\" indicating an effort to address the situation.
The board discussed the proposal for an 8-foot chain-link fence intended to create a storage area for vehicles. However, several members expressed skepticism about whether this would effectively alleviate the concerns raised by the community. One board member remarked, \"Rewarding bad behavior by allowing this is not gonna clean that place up,\" reflecting a broader sentiment that the proposed solution might not adequately address the ongoing issues.
Ultimately, the board voted to deny the request for relief from zoning regulations related to business parking and fencing, citing that the proposal did not align with the public interest or the spirit of local ordinances. The decision underscores the community's ongoing struggle with the management of the auto dealership and the need for a more comprehensive plan to address the concerns of residents.