Zoning board opens public hearing for Felipe's Driving School at 471 Eastern Ave; no decision — goes to Planning Board

The Chelsea Zoning Board of Appeals opened a public hearing on an application to establish Felipe's Driving School at 471 Eastern Avenue and did not take a vote. The board left the public record open and scheduled the application to be reviewed by the Planning Board on Aug. 26 and to return to the Zoning Board on Sept. 9.

Attorney David Midland and owner Felipe Aguilera said classes will include in-person classroom instruction and behind-the-wheel training. Midland said the state Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) has returned to in-person operations, which increases local demand. "There is no driving school in Chelsea. And there's a need for it. People are very excited about it," Midland said.

The Planning Department told the board the building has two existing parking spaces; municipal parking exists on Eastern Avenue and Broadway and most student drop-offs and pick-ups will occur at students' homes, the applicant said. The building owner, Elba Rojas, spoke in support of the school.

Planning staff explained the building inspector had estimated a parking requirement of 29 spaces based on potential classroom occupancy; staff said the applicant expects most students will not arrive by car and that the RMV requires a minimum of 12 students for certain classes. The board asked for hours of operation; applicants proposed weekday hours up to 8 p.m. and weekend daytime hours for some classes, with after-school in-person classes for junior operators.

Because this was the first hearing, the board took no final action. The application will go to the Planning Board for a recommendation and return to the Zoning Board on Sept. 9 for further consideration and a vote.