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License Committee continues All State Auto Max request after compliance, safety concerns
Summary
The Committee continued an application from All State Auto Max to increase allowed vehicles from 24 to 32 for 60 days after the applicant admitted prior overages and departments raised safety and plot-plan concerns; the matter was rescheduled for July 23, 2026.
The City of Chicopee License Committee on May 28 continued for 60 days an application from All State Auto Max, LLC (d/b/a Best Car Best Deal) to increase the number of vehicles allowed on site from 24 to 32 at 400 E. Main St. Unit D. The continuance was granted with the current restrictions in place and the matter was scheduled to return to the License Committee on July 23, 2026.
Applicant Mohammed Kadhim was present and acknowledged that he had more vehicles on site than permitted at times. He said deliveries and occasional purchases of vehicles delivered without notice have contributed to overages, and that he sometimes uses an overflow lot in Springfield but that lot is not always available. He said he had reduced vehicles to 19 at the time of the hearing.
Neighbors and residents raised concerns. Al Lafleur said the situation has been ongoing, that the Building Inspector had visited multiple times and urged a 30-day suspension. Joe Pasternak said he had received constituent complaints and found the business repeatedly exceeded the allowed number of vehicles during his visits. Attorney Timothy Reilly told the Committee that keeping current conditions in place effectively rejects the application and would prevent reapplication for one year; if the Committee wanted to allow additional time to address concerns he recommended a 60-day continuance.
Planning reported the property is zoned Business A and permitted for automotive uses under local code 275-58; the applicant's plan shows 30 parking spaces (service bays do not count toward parking). The Fire Department reported site-specific safety concerns: the dumpster must be at least 10 feet from the building, an indicated snow-load area currently blocks an emergency exit and must remain clear, a minimum 24-foot width must be maintained in front of the building for emergency access, and the address must be posted on the building at a minimum height of 4 inches. Councilors also expressed concern about plot-plan accuracy and vehicles encroaching on City sidewalk/right-of-way.
Councilor Susan Goff moved, and Chair Shane Brooks seconded, to continue the application for 60 days with current restrictions; the roll-call vote passed with Councilors Brooks, Goff and Balakier voting in favor and Councilors Arriaga and Girouard absent.
