Methuen board approves auto-body shop permit at 348 House Street with indoor-storage, hours conditions

The Methuen Zoning Board of Appeals on an unspecified July meeting date approved a special permit and variance for an auto-body shop at 348 House Street, imposing conditions that the applicant store vehicles indoors and limit drop-off and operating hours.

The board took action after Attorney Anthony Capani and project engineer David Jordan reported a turning-movement plan had been prepared and reviewed by the Methuen Fire Department. Laurie read a city letter into the record stating, “Methuen Fire Department has been in contact with engineers for 348 House Street, and they have shown plans for the turning radius of our trucks, which have been approved. There is no objection from the Methuen Fire Department for the variance for the property at 348 House Street,” attributed to Captain Slattery of the Methuen Fire Department.

During public comment, neighbor Connie Stella raised multiple environmental and nuisance concerns, asking, “Has the EPA or the inspectional services looked at the plans for this?” and whether preparation water would go into the sewer or be treated. The board replied that zoning filings go to all city departments and that a building-permit review would trigger more detailed technical checks by inspectional services and conservation.

Owner Shadi Casas, introduced as general manager and co-owner of SK Auto Body, told the board the shop sands dry and vacuums sanding dust rather than “wet sand,” and said the business installed “a brand new state-of-the-art spray booth” and high-tech carbon filters that city personnel inspected. Casas said operations run “strictly 8 to 5” and that nothing is dropped off after hours.

A board member proposed conditions to require that cars be stored inside (no overnight or front-of-property outdoor storage) and to restrict early-morning drop-offs. The motion to approve those conditions was seconded, the board voted in favor, and the permit carried. The presiding officer congratulated the applicant after the roll-call votes recorded affirmative responses from members in attendance.

The board and applicant noted that the building-permit review remains a separate step; any detailed concerns about ventilation, water-treatment systems, or specific environmental controls will be addressed during that subsequent permitting and inspections process.

The board’s action closes the zoning-phase review with conditions; the applicant was instructed to coordinate with the building department for required permits and inspections next.