Chicopee council rejects special permit for towing and storage at 78 West Street

The Chicopee City Council voted to defeat a motion to approve a special permit for a towing and storage business at 78 West Street, rejecting the zoning committee's favorable recommendation by a roll-call tally that produced six yes votes, three no votes and two abstentions. The motion needed nine votes to pass and failed.

The item was introduced to the full council after three hearings before the zoning subcommittee. The applicant, Cruise Control Transportation, was represented in public comment by attorney Rich Maynard, who said the proposal “is a by-right business, in this district.” The zoning committee report said the applicant submitted a revised site plan showing designated parking: about eight spaces allocated for an existing auto body use and roughly 30 spaces designated for the proposed towing operation; the regulation cited by the committee requires at least 10 spaces.

Neighborhood residents and advocates urged caution. Jeremy Procon, who identified himself as a nearby resident, told the council the permit process exists “so you guys could have some sort of control of what's going on in a tight neighborhood,” and questioned on-street impacts if a commercial operation expands. Councilor Shane Brooks said he had “significant concerns about the parking on West Street,” describing frequent on-street parking and limited sight lines.

Supporters, including members of the zoning committee and other councilors, noted the site’s long history of similar use: the report and several speakers said a related business operated at the property for about 40 years. Council members and the Traffic Bureau reviewed department comments; the Traffic Bureau’s Captain Lambert reported no outstanding traffic complaints in his records related to the site. The zoning committee vote had included conditions: compliance with a minimum of 10 parking spaces, conformity with fire-department requirements, and designated on-site parking separated between the towing and auto-body functions.

Despite the committee’s conditions and the applicant’s revised plan, the full council’s final roll call produced a result short of the required nine affirmative votes. The chair of the zoning committee had moved to accept the committee’s favorable report and approve the permit with conditions; the motion was seconded (second not specified in the record) and then defeated on roll call (6 yes, 3 no, 2 abstain). The council clerk confirmed the motion failed because it did not reach the nine-vote threshold.

Council members and staff noted options going forward: several speakers reminded the council that special permits may be called back if conditions are violated, and that the applicant could revise and refile. The zoning committee had signaled that it would continue to work with the applicant and departments to resolve outstanding questions.

The zoning committee’s earlier review, the public comments and the vote were part of the council’s regular meeting record.