Jake Sullivan and Justin LeClair are getting a chance to realize their dream of owning a business, and they’re doing it while still in their twenties.
The Halifax Board of Selectmen on Tuesday approved their Class II license application to open a used car business, J and J Motor Sports, to be located on Plymouth Street, Route 106, next to the Salvation Army collection box.
As far as the vehicle price range, Sullivan said, “We’re looking to retail used cars for roughly $3,000 to $10,000.” The business would be by appointment only.
Selectmen Chair Kim Roy asked Sullivan and LeClair if any repairs or auto body work would be done on site because that type of work requires more licensing than what the Class II license allows. Leclair said the business is strictly sales. Any necessary work would be contracted off site.
One area of concern for the board was the donations collection box on the property that has been there for some time. Selectman Thomas Millias said the problem with the collection box is donations often sit there for long periods of time without being collected.
Sullivan said a trial period with the collection box will take place for about a month. If the collection box service does not improve, Leclair and Sullivan will have it removed. The men are hoping to open business within a month or two.
Thompson Street Safety Improvements
The Board of Selectmen approved solid double lines for Thompson Street barring Town Administrator Charles Seelig checking legal ramifications with the state.
William Balfour asked that the lines become solid no passing sections on both sides in order to prevent future car accidents.
Seelig said, “Basically, there’s a section of Thompson Street where the yellow lines are drawn as a passing area and he’d like that eliminated; he thinks it’s a danger. There are several blind driveways in the area, some curves and such.”
Balfour’s son William Balfour Jr. attended the meeting to advocate on behalf of his father’s wishes. He told the Board of Selectmen, “I’ve been here for 50 years. I grew up in this and over the years as well as recently, there’s been a number of accidents on both ends of the stretch on either end of the corner.” He said there have been deaths on both sides of the street.
Hemp Production
At selectmen’s last meeting, the question of whether hemp production needed special permitting was brought into question after Seelig told the Board he’s received an inquiry from a party about a hemp production business in town.
Seelig investigated the subject and spoke with Town Counsel who advised hemp production is allowed as an agricultural product.
“Processing and manufacturing is allowed in the commercial district by special permitting in the industrial district by right.”
Other News
• A yard sale to benefit the fundraising of the Hops Playground will take place on the Town Hall Green on August 12. The yard sale is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• Selectmen approved the Congregational Church’s use of the Town Green for its barbecue/festival on September 8.
• A road cut to open a new gas service was approved at 374 Plymouth Street.
The next Halifax selectmen’s meeting is scheduled for August 7. Open session begins at 7:30 p.m.