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Auto-dealership license disputes surface as inspector reports and eviction loom
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Summary
Public speakers and an attorney told the Lawrence Licensing Board that an inspector was absent, an environmental finding was disputed, and a landlord is pursuing eviction that could transfer a used‑car license. The board said it needed reports and court outcomes before acting.
Several public participants and an attorney told the Lawrence Licensing Board on Jan. 7 that disputes over ownership and alleged inspection findings could affect existing used‑car licenses.
Rajil Farah told the board he was told the city had no available secondhand class‑2 dealership licenses and that an inspector — who staff said was on vacation — had reported an environmental concern at his site. "You're accusing that the place has an environmental problem when there is no environmental problem," Farah said, disputing the staff summary of a report he had not seen.
Board members and staff repeatedly told Farah they could not act during public participation and that revocation or other formal action would require placement on a future agenda and review of any inspector reports. Staff said the inspector would return the following week and that Farah could be scheduled for the Jan. 20 meeting to present further evidence.
Separately, attorney Tony Corrigan said his client, Don Pedro Beato, and his company are pursuing eviction of Esperanza Auto Sales at 316 Broadway and have a district‑court hearing in early February. "Esperanza Auto Sales Incorporated is no longer operating at this property. They haven't paid rent in over 5 months," Corrigan told commissioners and asked the board to note the court process; he said that if the landlord regains possession, the owner would seek the license. Corrigan cited a prior Chandler Street case in which the board revoked and reissued a license after an eviction.
Pedro Vieto, a separate public speaker, said a license at Frias AutoCell has "been in the place for more than 20 years" and described the arrangement as a grandfathered right; he said he wants his license and property returned and described financial strain from the situation.
The board did not take formal action on any of these matters at the Jan. 7 meeting. Commissioners emphasized procedural limits: staff must produce inspection reports, and the board may only act on revocations or transfers when items appear on the agenda or after the board receives required documentation or court outcomes. The board scheduled follow‑up and said staff would notify interested parties when the inspector's report and court information are available.
Next steps: Mr. Farah was invited to appear at the Jan. 20 meeting; Corrigan said he would notify the board of any execution or judgment in the eviction matter, and commissioners said they will consider license questions once reports and court outcomes are provided.
