Council regularizes longstanding Indian Orchard auto body operation at 420 Oak St.
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Summary
After hearing the applicant and neighborhood support, the Springfield City Council approved a special permit that regularizes motor‑vehicle painting/bodywork at 420 Oak St. following a code‑enforcement citation; the owner says he has held a dealer/class‑3 repair license for decades.
The Springfield City Council approved a special permit Nov. 24 for motor‑vehicle painting and bodywork at 420 Oak Street in Indian Orchard, allowing the business to remain after city enforcement discovered it had operated without the specific zoning permit.
Applicant Robert Pafilmy said he holds a dealer’s license and a class‑3 repair authorization and has operated at 420 Oak Street for decades. He told the council he completed required paperwork and paid fees but did not have the special permit on file, which prompted a code‑enforcement citation. “I’ve had it since the seventies,” Pafilmy said of his license.
City staff explained the difference between licensure and zoning: licensure allows vehicle repair under state rules, but local zoning may require a special permit for bodywork at that location. The Indian Orchard Citizens Council and councilors expressed support for Pafilmy as a longstanding local business.
Councilor Govan and others described outreach and review by neighbors and indicated the matter appears to be a long‑standing irregularity being rectified through the special‑permit process. The council voted to approve the permit; the clerk said the permit is issued and can be picked up after the 20‑day appeal period.
What’s next: Applicant should obtain the issued permit and ensure continued compliance with planning and code‑enforcement conditions.