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Committee recommends approval for flammables storage and new garage licenses
Summary
Somerville City Licenses and Permits Committee recommended approval of a 1,000‑gallon flammables storage license for a Clarendon Hill redevelopment garage and a new 33‑space underground garage license for 599 Somerville Avenue. Both recommendations go to the full council; licenses are not active until issued.
The Somerville City Licenses and Permits Committee on June 25, 2025 recommended approval of two licensing applications: a flammables storage license for a redevelopment garage at 20 Steffes and Amman Street and a new garage license for 599 Somerville Avenue.
The committee voted 3‑0 to recommend approval of both items; the recommendations move to the full Somerville City Council for final issuance. Chair Burnley told applicants, “please just note that the license is not active until the full council votes on it and until it is in hand. So don't go fueling up those cars just yet.”
The first application (ID 25‑0500) seeks a flammables storage license allowing up to 1,000 gallons of flammable product. John Springfield, representing POA Preservation of Affordable Housing, told the committee the permit is requested because vehicles parked in the building’s structured parking are expected to contain gasoline. Springfield said the storage request relates to parking “around 50 cars on the first level of the new building.” Committee members confirmed there are no changes to the Zoning Board of Appeals–approved site plan for the project.
The second application (ID 25‑1006) is a referral recommendation for a new garage license for 599 Somerville Ventures, LLC, at 599 Somerville Avenue. The application covers 33 vehicles inside, 0 outside, and hours of operation noted as Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–6 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m.–2 p.m.; Sunday, closed. Lee Thomas, the owner’s on‑site project manager, and John Bailey, operations for Raffy Properties, said the license is to operate the new underground garage. Applicants said the project includes bicycle parking (applicants referenced meeting the city’s bicycle parking requirement and one speaker recalled “30” bicycle spaces) and EV‑charging spaces; they also noted recent streetscape work in front of the building, including a bike lane and a bus shelter.
Votes at a glance
- ID 25‑0500 (flammables license, 20 Steffes and Amman St.): motion to recommend approval — Councilor Davis: yes; Councilor Pineda Neufeld: yes; Chair Burnley: aye. Outcome: recommended for approval (3–0). - ID 25‑1006 (garage license, 599 Somerville Ave., 33 spaces): motion to recommend approval — Councilor Davis: yes; Councilor Pineda Neufeld: yes; Chair Burnley: aye. Outcome: recommended for approval (3–0).
Applicants were reminded that recommendation by the committee does not activate a license; final issuance occurs only after the full council takes its vote and the license is in hand.
