The New Bedford City Council granted a private livery license on Jan. 8 to Anna Valentin Burgos, doing business as Gurana’s Transportation, for 627 Allen Street, but not before a councilor described neighborhood parking concerns raised by residents.

Councilor Joe Lopes, who spoke at length during the item, said several neighbors contacted him after the license application and asked the council to consider the likely parking impact. "I went by myself, sat down, had a cup of coffee, and just watched on a couple weekends," Lopes said. "It is a tight neighborhood when parking, especially if people aren't using their driveways." He told the council some residents worried existing vehicles and businesses at the property already strain on-street parking and that adding livery vans could worsen the situation.

City Clerk records show the license will expire June 30, 2025. After the discussion, the council voted to grant the license by voice vote.

The council did not place conditions on the license at the meeting; members referred other parking and sign requests to the Traffic Commission for further review. The decision does not change any Traffic Commission regulations or require immediate action by that commission.

Councilor Brian Gomes separately explained a different livery applicant’s circumstances at item 17, saying that applicant had previously received a short-term license and had refiled paperwork to correct an expiration misunderstanding. That application was also granted during the meeting.

The council’s action was procedural and specific to the license application; any enforcement or parking regulation changes would be handled by the Traffic Commission or code enforcement in response to complaints or formal petitions.