Legal affairs subcommittee approves new motor‑vehicle dealer license for Beverly Car Care after applicant pledges cleanup

The legal affairs subcommittee recommended approval on Sept. 2 of a new Class 2 motor‑vehicle dealer license for JJ 22 Ventures Inc., doing business as Beverly Car Care, at 449 Cabot Street. The applicant, Shabel Abafayad, told the subcommittee he owns CJ Motors and plans to operate the site as a second location for vehicle sales and repair.

Lede: The subcommittee unanimously approved the license 3–0 after administrative review and a brief applicant Q&A requested by members concerned about prior property issues and appropriate use.

Nut graf: Subcommittee members said town staff (city clerk's office and building commissioner) had reviewed municipal compliance and the required bond paperwork; the applicant said he now occupies the site as the sole tenant, had cleaned and repainted the property, holds a special permit limiting display parking to eight vehicles, and does not plan to operate a convenience store at the location.

What the applicant said When asked to introduce himself, the applicant said, “Hi. My name is Shabel Abafayad. I own CJ Motors in Beverly since 2015.” He said he has taken over the entire property, removed prior multiple tenants, cleaned the site, repainted the awning and building, and secured a long‑term lease with intent to continue as the sole occupant. Abafayad told the subcommittee he would use the building for vehicle repair, a gas station and fueling infrastructure remain in place, and he is not planning to run the convenience store license.

Subcommittee concerns and responses Subcommittee members asked about previous problems at the site, nonconforming uses and the property’s prior history of multiple tenants and outdoor storage. A member noted that past complaints included trash and maintenance issues; Abafayad said those had been addressed and the property is “clean.” Members asked whether the structure would be used for a convenience store; Abafayad replied the convenience store license existed but had not been used and he did not intend to operate it.

Environmental and zoning context Councilors noted proximity to a stream and asked about petroleum storage safety. A subcommittee member summarized applicable safety standards, saying double‑wall containment and concrete secondary containment are required to reduce the risk of releases from underground storage tanks; the applicant said tank systems at the site conform to applicable regulations.

Administrative action and follow‑up The subcommittee approved the application 3–0 and recommended the license to the full council. At the full meeting the council’s legal affairs report confirmed the committee’s recommendation and the council later voted to grant the license. The matter will remain subject to ongoing building‑code and environmental compliance reviews by city staff.

Ending The subcommittee chair closed the meeting at 7:29 p.m. and the license moves forward to full council action and final administrative compliance checks by city offices.