The Lawrence City Council on Nov. 6 accepted written reports from the Fire Prevention Division and Inspectional Services showing that a joint inspection of Auto Recyclers Group LLC at 48–50 Medford Street identified fire‑ and building‑code violations in September and that follow‑up inspections on Oct. 14 found the items addressed.

Fire Prevention Inspector Nelson Rosa told the ordinance committee the Sept. 16 inspection identified violations including inadequate clearance around electrical panels, overdue fire‑extinguisher inspections, and an overdue fire‑alarm certification. A follow‑up inspection found a minimum 36‑inch clearance in front of electrical panels, updated fire‑extinguisher tags and a certified alarm inspection; the fire department determined the facility was safe to operate as of Oct. 21.

Inspectional Services (Philip Stevenson) reported the business had removed and reorganized scrap and pallet materials, cleared egress paths, applied for stockpile permits, and addressed waste‑oil handling, and recommended allowing normal operations to continue.

Despite the two agency letters, Council President Alfonso Rodriguez and Ward councilors said they continue to observe deteriorated concrete blocks and an improvised fence at the site that they described as a public‑safety risk. The council voted to table the final license decision and asked inspectional services to issue a written follow‑up confirming repairs and to coordinate a site visit with the council president. The motion to table carried on a roll call (5 in favor, 2 opposed). The council directed inspectional services to report back and asked the licensee to work with the council president on a timeline for durable repairs to the fence and adjacent concrete blocks.

(Quote sources: Nelson Rosa, Philip D. Stephenson, council discussion.)