Orchard Card Company told it must secure planning special permit despite tax payment plan; hearing continued to July 23

At an informational hearing May 20, the Springfield Board of License Commissioners reviewed Orchard Card Company Inc.’s status and was told the company has entered a tax payment plan but still lacks a required special permit to operate its Indian Orchard location at 421 Main Street.

City staff told the commission the company has submitted a licensing application, entered into a payment plan for outstanding taxes and has been making payments, but that it does not possess the special permit required from the planning board to sell cars at the site. The business also reportedly has pending litigation in housing court that limits its ability to operate.

Edward Shveto, who identified himself at the hearing, said he is not operating currently and that he had submitted paperwork and proof of payment to the licensing office. Licensing counsel clarified that securing a special permit from the planning board — not the licensing board — is a prerequisite to resuming sales and that the liquor/licensing board cannot grant that permit.

The commission continued the informational matter to July 23, 2025, to allow time for the business to pursue planning-board action and to resolve any outstanding legal matters. Commissioners directed the applicant to pursue the special permit with the planning board and to notify the licensing office of any change in status prior to the July meeting so the matter can be removed from the agenda if resolved sooner.

No violations were adjudicated at the hearing; staff noted the business’s tax payment plan and that the licensing office will monitor developments with the planning board and housing court.