Decision on dealership licenses delayed.

Byline: Bill Fortier

AUBURN - The Board of Selectmen last night delayed a decision until its April 28 meeting on whether to issue Diamond Buick Pontiac GMC Cadillac LLC licenses to sell and repair vehicles at 51 Faith Ave.

The dealership moved to adjacent 768 Washington St. (Route 20), the former site of Riverside Mitsubishi, in the summer of 2006. Neighbors of the Diamond dealership complained to the selectmen in February 2007 about the cutting down of trees and excessive lighting in the area.

The dealership has been operating under a site plan granted to Riverside in 2000. Diamond, which lists David G. Massad II of Shrewsbury and Pamela A. Massad of Westboro as its principal officers, has submitted a new site plan to the Planning Board. Diamond's lawyer, Paul J. O'Brien, said he hoped that site plan would be approved soon.

The Development Coordinating Group is scheduled to review the applications for the licenses to sell and repair cars at 51 Faith Ave. at its meeting Thursday, Land Use Enforcement Officer Matthew C. Benoit said last night. As a result, selectmen voted to continue last night's hearing on the license applications until April 28, when it will have the DCG report. One license, in essence, would amend the current permit to sell vehicles at 768 Washington St. to also include 51 Faith Ave. The other license would be to allow vehicles to be repaired at 51 Faith Ave.

Mr. O'Brien said no repairs are done at 768 Washington St.

In response to questions about landscaping, Mr. O'Brien said the proposed site plan for 768 Washington St. and 51 Faith Ave. calls for what he called a very expensive and cohesive landscaping plan that will make the property very attractive.

Planning Board Chairman David P. DeLollis, however, said selectmen should deny the licenses.

"There has been nothing but issues on this property," he said. He added that a vehicle from the dealership continues to be parked on nearby town property despite assurances from the dealership it would be removed.

Robert Kuptsas of 44 Faith Ave. said he agreed with Mr. DeLollis and said the lights from the dealership are so bright he can shave in his bathroom at midnight.

"The backyards of our houses are lit up like Christmas trees," he said.

However, Keith Lindem of 34 Faith Ave. said his house is affected most by the dealership and that he would like to see all the issues resolved. He also alleged the Planning Board was favoring other residents of the neighborhood and has ignored his comments. Mr. DeLollis, in an interview after Diamond's meeting with selectmen, denied Mr. Lindem's assertion.

Michael A. Robidoux, a candidate for the Board of Selectmen, said Mr. Massad has "gone through a lot" since opening up the car dealership.

"I don't think it's fair we're picking on him," he said. "If the people who live there are not happy, they can sell their houses and move out."

NAME: AUBURN SELECTMEN; AUBURN PLANNING BOARD