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ZBA to visit site after mixed reaction to request to expand vehicle sales at 2 Roxanna Street
Summary
An existing used‑car dealer at 2 Roxanna Street requested permission to increase the number of cars for sale; the board heard neighborhood support and objections, asked for site visit, repaving/striping proposals and agreed to continue the matter to May 14.
The Framingham City Zoning Board of Appeals on April 9 continued a request from Elias Montero (Next Auto Group) to expand a preexisting nonconforming automobile sales use at 2 Roxanna Street, including a proposed increase in the number of vehicles for sale after the business acquired adjacent land.
Surveyor David Sadowski said the business has operated at the site for six years and currently holds a dealer license that authorizes 20 vehicles; the owner recently acquired an adjacent parcel and submitted a plan showing as many as 38 marked spaces (some double‑stacked) for sale vehicles. Montero and supporters said many dealer vehicles sit in place rather than circulate, that the expanded parcel provides additional parking area, and that the owner has been active in keeping the site and neighborhood clean.
An abutter who lives at 82 Hager Street and identified himself as a registered civil engineer objected, saying the application contained inaccuracies: he said the applicant altered topography when installing the pool/retaining wall on another lot, that there remains ample compliant area elsewhere on the combined parcel, and that some vehicles appeared to be parked over sidewalks in aerial images. Other residents spoke in favor of the expansion, saying the dealer had been a good neighbor.
Board members expressed concerns about the existing operation and evidence that the lot is already used in excess of the permitted 20 vehicles (board members observed satellite imagery showing more than 30 vehicles on site). Several members said any increase should be conditioned: they asked for a formal parking plan with striping and numbered stalls, repaving of the unpaved area, screening from adjoining residences, and clarified limits on commercial vehicles. The applicant said he was open to repaving, striping and moving commercial vehicles off site.
Given the conflicting factual claims and the extent of neighborhood interest, the board voted to continue the matter to the May 14 ZBA meeting and to conduct a site visit. Members flagged enforcement concerns and advised staff to review past compliance and to include proposed conditions if the board considers an increase in allowable vehicles.
