Urban Affairs Committee recommends First Choice Auto sales permit, 4-1

MARLBOROUGH -- December 1, 2025, Urban Affairs Committee recommends First Choice Auto sales permit over city engineer's objection. The committee voted 4-1 Monday to forward a special permit letting First Choice Auto Services add accessory used-car sales at 229 Maple St., with conditions capping the site at five display vehicles and 20 total. Attorney Brian Falk, representing owners David Henriquez and Ainley Pina, said the permit would create "an enforcement mechanism for the city with this site that's not presently there." City Engineer Thomas DePersio had recommended against the change, citing 100 percent lot coverage when off-site paving is counted and encroachments onto state property. Chair Roby cast the only no vote, saying she could not get past the engineer's and building commissioner's concerns. The decision requires planters, screening, and drainage work to be finalized at site plan review; the application expires Dec. 17.