Council continues hearing on Dino's Auto Repair permit at 136 Nursery Street

The Springfield City Council voted to continue consideration of a petition to amend a special permit for motor vehicle repair at 136 Nursery Street to the next hearings meeting in June to allow staff to pursue additional due diligence and to give opponents an opportunity to address the council.

Petitioner Misail Colon told the council he has operated Dino's Auto Repair at 136 Nursery Street for nine years and is seeking to amend a permit that was issued under a previous owner in 2010 so the authorization is in his name. He said the shop provides reliable, affordable vehicle maintenance and creates local jobs.

Council members and staff discussed prior code citations and the fact that the petitioner was cited by code enforcement after occupying the property under new ownership; staff explained that when motor vehicle repair shops or used car lots are sold, the new owner must amend the existing special permit to reflect the current petitioner.

Councilors raised concerns about vehicles parked on Nursery Street (the public way adjacent to the site) and asked the petitioner to move vehicles onto the site; staff said the existing special permit includes restrictions that Nursery Street cannot be used as an extension of the business. The council also noted a three‑page letter of opposition the clerk put on the record; after discussion Councilor Fenton moved to continue the item and Councilor Edwards seconded. The motion to continue was approved by roll call. The council agreed to return the item on June 22 for further review.

The council did not take a final vote on the permit; staff will follow up with code enforcement and the petitioner and circulate the opposition letter to counselors ahead of the continued hearing.