Lawrence board revokes Esperansa Auto dealer license after landlord says business was evicted

The Lawrence Licensing Board voted April 22 to revoke the motor vehicle dealer license for Esperansa Auto, a business operating at 316 Broadway, following testimony from the property owner that the tenant had been evicted and owes rent.

Pedro Beato (recorded in the transcript alternately as "Pedro Vto/Beato"), who said he owns the property, told the board he holds a court judgment for unpaid rent for roughly $33,346 and said the business had been removed from the property. The license in question is tied to 316 Broadway, and Beato asked the board to return the license to the landlord.

Owner Vanessa Lantigua disputed parts of the account on the record, saying she attempted to collect keys and move but that she had closed the business in October after receiving the eviction notice and that some court filings referenced damage rather than rent. She said she had been trying to find a new approved location but had not yet secured an address.

After discussion of the eviction and supporting paperwork, Commissioner Mike Lair moved to revoke the license for Esperansa Auto at 316 Broadway; the motion was seconded and passed on roll call. The board told Lantigua she can apply for a new license if she locates a site that meets zoning and licensing requirements.

The board made clear it was acting on the license location and landlord-tenant facts presented; the board noted it has no authority to settle private financial disputes between the landlord and tenant, which are for the courts to adjudicate.

Next steps: the license for 316 Broadway is revoked on the record; the former licensee may seek a new license if she secures a compliant location and completes permitting and zoning checks.