Norwood Business Owner Threatens To Sue Town Following License Denial

NORWOOD, MA — An applicant for Class II license was none too pleased with the Norwood Board of Selectmen after he was denied the license.

Tuesday, the board denied Keith Dave, doing business as BK Auto Body on Railroad Avenue, the license that would have allowed him to purchase vehicles at auction and bring them back to the business for restoration and resale. Board members Tom Maloney and Nancy Donohue voted to grant the license.

The meeting was a continuation of a hearing from May, where the board asked for a floor plan and proof that Dave was evicting Elias Auto Body, which is located on the Central Street side of the property.

Dave told the board that he did not have a floor plan because a town employee said that would not be necessary, despite being town to have one.

“I don’t know why you're checking with someone downstairs, this board told you we wanted to see a plan,” board Chairman William Plasko said.

“He said it’s only one car why would you do that?” Dave replied.

Dave said he wanted the license so he could buy one car at a time, fix it, and send it on its way. The property has had a Class II license in the past, with no history of problems. Plasko, along with selectmen Paul Bishop and Allan Howard were not willing to grant the license.

“I am opposed to this, it’s going to be an accessory to your auto body work. I don’t think that location is appropriate. Here is an unpaved alleyway, cars back there, one on its side. I don’t see this as an appropriate place to do that business,” Plasko said.

Donohue was open to giving the business a chance, telling Dave that she was willing to trust him.

After the board failed to grant the license, Dave said he would speak to his attorney and see Norwood in a courthouse.

Image: File Photo