Zoning subcommittee refers two auto‑repair location applications to full council

The New Britain zoning subcommittee voted April 14 to send two certificate-of-location applications for longstanding automotive uses to the full City Council with neutral recommendations.

Alderman Miguel Santiago moved to refer item 37042, an application from Mark Oolen on behalf of Z2 Motorsports LLC to permit DMV issuance of a motor vehicle dealer and repairer license for 724 Allen Street; Alderwoman Barbosa Holly seconded and the committee approved the motion by voice vote. Justin Dorsy, director of the Department of Planning and Development, read the City Plan Commission recommendation that the site “has been historically used as a location for automotive sales and repair” and that the commission recommends approval of the certificate of location application.

Mark Oolen, who said he represents Z2 Motorsports, told the committee the shop specializes in restoration and customization of classic and muscle cars and moved into the former Papa’s Dodge property to secure more shop, office and showroom space. “All we’re asking is that we’re allowed to use it for what it had been used for for years and years and years,” Oolen said.

The committee then considered item 37118, a change-of-ownership certificate for New Britain Muffler LLC at 46 Washington Street. Alderman Santiago again moved to refer the item to full council with a neutral recommendation; Dorsy read that the City Plan Commission reported the site “has been occupied by an auto repair use since at least 1967” and recommended approval.

Attorney Donald Chevshack, representing the second applicant, introduced Roy Rambier, whom Chevshack described as the long‑time owner of the nearby business affected by a partnership dissolution. Chevshack said the business operations, bays and employees remain the same and that the current request is to reissue the repair license in the owner’s name following a split with a partner.

Alderwoman Delernia asked whether anything beyond council approval could prevent the license issuance; staff and Dorsy explained that DMV licensing is governed by state statute and that council location approval is the final local step in the process. The committee approved both referrals by voice vote.

Both items will be considered by the full City Council, which is the final local step before the state Department of Motor Vehicles reviews or issues repair or dealer licenses.