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PAWTUCKET BOARD OF LICENSE COMMISSIONERS
PAWTUCKET MUNICIPAL ANNEX, 100 FREIGHT STREET
2nd FLOOR – TEMPORARY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
ENTER PARKING LOT AT 75 SABIN STREET
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2026
A regular session of the Pawtucket Board of License Commissioners was held Wednesday, September 10, 2026, at 6:46 p.m., in the Temporary City Council Chambers, 2nd floor, 100 Freight Street, Pawtucket, RI.
Present – President Mercer; Councilors Araujo, Coderre, Gregor, Moran, Moreno, Rubio Stachowiak and Wildenhain.
Absent – 0.
Chairperson Mercer presided.



ENTERTAINMENT –
A. Petition of Pawtucket Film Festival, for license to have 27th Annual Pawtucket Film Festival, indoors at 175 Main Street, on Friday, October 30, 2026, from 5:30 p.m. until 11:00 p.m., Saturday, October 31, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m., and Sunday, November 1, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. LIC#EVT-26-80
FIREARMS Renewals -
John Francis d/b/a Competition Shooting Supplies, 435 Benefit St. LIC#FIR-24-1
Lost Treasures LLC d/b/a Lost Treasures, 242 Middle St. LIC#FIR-24-2
PIGEON LOFT Renewals -
Luiz, James, 163 Division St.
VICTUALLING HOUSE First Class New –
Caliente Mexican Grill (Lamica Lampira LLC) 295 Armistice Boulevard, LIC#VIC-26-19
Savers Mart 5 (Savers Entreprises Inc.) 454 Pawtucket Avenue, LIC#VIC-26-20
VICTUALLING HOUSE First Class Transfer –
The Local Shoppe #015 (The Local Shoppe New England LLC) 1253 Newport Avenue, LIC#VIC-26-18
(transfer from: 7 Eleven Inc.)
WASTE HAULERS Renewal –
Discount Disposal (Discount Disposal & Demo Inc.) 47 Kennedy Road, Foster, RI, 02825 (1)
LMP Construction (LMP Construction Inc.) 248 Winthrop Street, Rehoboth, MA (3) LIC#WST-24-12


ENTERTAINMENT & EXPANSION OF PREMISE (One Day) -
Petition of Rock’s Bar (PCC Ventures Inc.) for a license to have a Cornhole Tournament and for a one-day expansion of their Class BV Liquor License to serve food and alcoholic beverages at 451 Prospect Street (Outdoors) on Friday, September 25, 2026, from 8:00 p.m. until 1:00 a.m. (Amplified sounds must end by 11:00 p.m.) LIC#EVT-26-77
ENTERTAINMENT & CLASS F (Beer & Wine) –
Petition of RI Day of Portugal (Day of Portugal and Portuguese Heritage in RI, Inc.) for a license to conduct a Pre-Game Block Party for the Portuguese Heritage Night Game and to sell beer and wine on Taft Street between Spencer Street and Tower Street (Outdoors) on Saturday, September 19, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. LIC#EVT-26-82 
ENTERTAINMENT & CLASS F-1 (Full Privilege) -
Petition of Latinos Unidos de Rhode Island for a license to conduct a Mexican Festival 2026 and to sell alcoholic beverages at 354 Pine Street (Outdoors) on Sunday, October 18, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. LIC#EVT-26-81 

AUTOMOBILE REPAIR SHOP AND SECOND HAND SHOP LICENSES (CLASS A & B) (Selling used automobiles and parts) Transfer -
Moes Auto Sales & Service (19 Benefit St LLC) 19 Benefit Street, LIC#AUT-26-11
(transfer from: Moes Auto Sales & Service Inc.)
Speaking in favor was Mohammod Hasan, 1188 Chalkstone Avenue, Providence, RI, the applicant.
Mr. Hasan stated that the proposed business will provide auto repair, vehicle inspections, and he will have a dealer’s license.
The business hours will be Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., and Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Mr. Hasan stated that the business will employ two mechanics.
There will be four service bays.
There will be no renovations at the present time.
There will be no tire sales at that location.
There were no other speakers. The public hearing was closed.
THE CHAIR RECOGNIZED COUNCILOR MORAN.
Upon motion made by Councilor Moran, seconded by Councilor Moreno, the following petition for licenses was APPROVED, on a unanimous voice vote:
AUTOMOBILE REPAIR SHOP AND SECOND HAND SHOP LICENSES (CLASS A & B) (Selling used automobiles and parts) Transfer -
Moes Auto Sales & Service (19 Benefit St LLC) 19 Benefit Street, LIC#AUT-26-11
(transfer from: Moes Auto Sales & Service Inc.)
THE CHAIR RECOGNIZED COUNCILOR ARAUJO.
Communication from Gregory A. Mancini, Esq., Sinapi Law Associates, to the Pawtucket Board of License Commissioners, objecting to the transfer of the Class A Liquor License of Pawtucket Wine & Spirits (City Boy LLC) to Pawtucket Wine & Spirit (AJs Liquors LLC), 368 Cottage Street, in the total amount of $2,828.00 for Southern Glazer’s Beverage Company, $20,494.00 for Mancini Beverage and $3,985.00 for C & C Distributing.
Upon motion made by Councilor Araujo, seconded by Councilor Wildenhain, the following objections were READ AND ORDERED FILED:
Communication from Gregory A. Mancini, Esq., Sinapi Law Associates, to the Pawtucket Board of License Commissioners, objecting to the transfer of the Class A Liquor License of Pawtucket Wine & Spirits (City Boy LLC) to Pawtucket Wine & Spirit (AJs Liquors LLC), 368 Cottage Street, in the total amount of $2,828.00 for Southern Glazer’s Beverage Company, $20,494.00, for Mancini Beverage and $3,985.00 for C & C Distributing.
THE CHAIR RECOGNIZED COUNCILOR ARAUJO.
Order from The RI Superior Court Appointing Attorney William J. Delaney as Special Master for City Boy LLC, d/b/a/ Pawtucket Wine and Spirits, 368 Cottage Street, Pawtucket, RI.
Upon motion made by Councilor Araujo, seconded by Councilor Moran, the following Order was READ AND ORDERED FILED:
Order from The RI Superior Court Appointing Attorney William J. Delaney as Special Master for City Boy LLC, d/b/a/ Pawtucket Wine and Spirits, 368 Cottage Street, Pawtucket, RI.

Class A Transfer –
Pawtucket Wine & Spirit (AJs Liquors LLC) 368 Cottage Street, LIC#LQA-26-3
(Transfer from City Boy LLC)
Present was Special Master William J. Delaney, Attorney.
Mr. Delaney stated that he was appointed as Special Master by the Superior Court on August 27, 2026.
Mr. Delaney indicated that he anticipates having the matter ready to proceed by the end of the month and requested that the Council withdraw the matter at this time.
THE CHAIR RECOGNIZED COUNCILOR ARAUJO.
Upon motion made by Councilor Araujo, seconded by Councilor Wildenhain, the following petition for license was WITHDRAWN AT THE REQUEST OF SPECIAL MASTER WILLIAM J. DELANEY, on a unanimous voice vote:
Class A Transfer –
Pawtucket Wine & Spirit (AJs Liquors LLC) 368 Cottage Street, LIC#LQA-26-3
(Transfer from City Boy LLC)

AUTO REPAIR SHOP New –
Correia Auto Repair (Professional Auto Repair LLC) 102 Esten Avenue, LIC#AUT-26-8
(Prev. Woodlawn Village)


AUTOMOBILE REPAIR SHOP AND SECOND-HAND SHOP LICENSES (CLASS A & B) (Selling used automobiles and parts)
*Tiki’s Auto Sales Annex (RZG Inc.) 772 Main St. LIC#AUT-24-68
Stipulations:
1. No mechanical repairs in the front of the building.
2. No debris in the back.
3. All work must be done inside the building.
4. All vehicles in the front are for sale only. 01/23/2013
Speaking were Carl Johnson, Director of Zoning and Code Enforcement and Roberto Garcia, license holder.
Mr. Johnson stated that the situation remains substantially the same each time he visits the location. He explained that Mr. Garcia is unable to move the vehicles to the rear of the property because the lot is locked.
Mr. Johnson stated that Mr. Garcia had indicated that all outstanding issues would be addressed by the September 10, 2026 Board meeting; however, there has been little improvement at the property.
Mr. Garcia provided photographs of the lot for the Board’s review. He stated that he does not know whether the vehicles parked on the street are unregistered.
Councilor Gregor stated that the property does look better in the pictures, but questioned why it took to the very last day to clean up the property.
Mr. Garcia asked where repaired vehicles are to be parked while awaiting pick-up by their owners, if he cannot park cars in the back lot or on the street.
THE CHAIR RECOGNIZED COUNCILOR GREGOR.
Upon motion made by Councilor Gregor, seconded by Councilor Wildenhain, a second update for Tiki’s Auto Sales Annex was scheduled for the meeting on October 7, 2026.
Also, the Board requested that zoning do another inspection before this meeting.

CLASS B (VICTUALLER) –
Acruz Events and Art Gallery (Acruz Events and Art Gallery LLC) 249 Main St. LIC#LQB-26-4® (ent)
Representing the City of Pawtucket was Frank J. Milos, Jr., Esq., City Solicitor.
Attorney Milos stated that all parties agreed to postpone this hearing to allow for further investigation. Following the investigation, the parties will determine whether an additional hearing date should be scheduled.
THE CHAIR RECOGNIZED COUNCILOR ARAUJO.
Upon motion made by Councilor Araujo, seconded by Councilor Gregor, the agenda was amended to include the following Communications, on a unanimous voice vote:
Communication from Amy H. Goins, Esq., Ursillo, Teitz & Ritch, Ltd., to the Pawtucket Board of License Commissioners. (Harmony Dog Training, LLC – Kennel License Renewal/Show Cause Hearing.)
Communication from Angela Wang, to the Pawtucket Board of License Commissioners. (Support for Harmony Dog Training)
Communication from Ana Schecher, 382 Pawtucket Avenue, to the Pawtucket Board of License Commissioners. (Support for Harmony Dog Training)
Communication from Liv Keaton, to the Pawtucket Board of License Commissioners. (Support for Harmony Dog Training)
Upon motion made by Councilor Araujo, seconded by Councilor Gregor, the following Communications were READ AND ORDERED FILED:
Communication from Amy H. Goins, Esq., Ursillo, Teitz & Ritch, Ltd., to the Pawtucket Board of License Commissioners. (Harmony Dog Training, LLC – Kennel License Renewal/Show Cause Hearing.)
Communication from Angela Wang, to the Pawtucket Board of License Commissioners. (Support for Harmony Dog Training)
Communication from Ana Schecher, 382 Pawtucket Avenue, to the Pawtucket Board of License Commissioners. (Support for Harmony Dog Training)
Communication from Liv Keaton, to the Pawtucket Board of License Commissioners. (Support for Harmony Dog Training)

Harmony (Harmony Dog Training LLC) 65 Patterson Ave. LIC#KNL-25-2
Representing the City of Pawtucket was Frank J. Milos, Jr., Esq., City Solicitor.
Attorney Milos read the alleged violations in summons, as follows:
1. Nuisance Abatement – § 116-25(A);
2. General Application Requirements – § 116-56(C) and § 410-60(U);
3. General Licensing Requirements – § 116-59(K); and
4. Noise Ordinance – § 286-10
He stated that the focus of the hearing will be on the fact that the lot cannot be within 200 ft of a residential zone.
Speaking on behalf of Harmony Dog Training LLC was attorney Amy H. Goins, Esq., Ursillo, Teitz & Ritch, Ltd.
Attorney Goins stated that Harmony had received approval from the Zoning Department. She argued that the City cannot impose additional restrictions through the licensing process, as licensing should not be used to amend or circumvent zoning requirements.
Attorney Goins further stated that she believed the summons to be insufficient because it did not identify specific allegations or violations.
Attorney Milos stated that the points made by Ms. Goins are fair points. He stated that he doesn’t like to proceed generally without specific dates, times or the event. He noted that this matter is unique. He stated that specific dates and issues should be identified, particularly in the event that the matter becomes litigious. He noted that his questions for the hearing were based on reports, emails, and other documentation that have been part of the record. There are no secrets here. Attorney Milos requested one additional postponement to allow the attorneys sufficient time to review the matter.
Councilor Mercer expressed the opinion that the matter should proceed that evening.
Attorney Milos disagreed with the assertion that the licensing process creates additional zoning issues. He stated that the City was not seeking to impose any additional zoning requirements or hurdles on the applicant.
Speaking on behalf of the City was Carl Johnson, Director of Zoning and Code Enforcement, who was sworn in by City Clerk Richard J. Goldstein.
Mr. Johnson stated that he issued a Zoning Compliance Certificate to Harmony Dog Training LLC. He explained that the property was located within two zoning districts: Residential-Multi-Family and MO [Manufacturing Open]. He further explained that pursuant to §410-09, when a property is located in two zoning districts, the regulations of the district comprising more than 50% of the property apply. Mr. Johnson stated that approximately 80% of the property is located within the MO zoning district. He further stated that the kennel use was permitted by right in the MO zoning district; therefore, no special use permit, variance or other zoning relief was needed.
Mr. Johnson stated that the additional requirements for licensing in section §410-60 were not applicable to the issuance of the Zoning Compliance Certificate because the use was allowed by right.
Upon questioning from Mr. Milos, Mr. Johnson stated that under §410-60U3, the kennel cannot be within 200 feet of a residential district, commercial building or office building. Because the kennel is partially located in a residential zone, it cannot satisfy the required 200 foot buffer requirement.
Mr. Johnson explained that the Zoning Compliance Certificate was issued in accordance with the Zoning Ordinance. He further stated that zoning inspections are typically conducted after a Zoning Compliance Certificate has been issued and that inspections are for building, electrical, plumbing and health, and are not for other zoning requirements, as the use was allowed by right.
Councilor Mercer expressed the opinion that if there was an error in this matter, it was made by the City Council regarding the licensing requirements rather than the Zoning Department for any Zoning requirements.
Councilor Gregor stated that during the zoning process, the ball was dropped.
Upon questioning from Attorney Goins, Mr. Johnson stated that he has 13 years of experience serving as a zoning official. He stated that the fitness of the applicant does not come into play when reviewing a request for a zoning certificate. He also understands that zoning approvals run with the land.
The next speaker was Elizabeth Sousa, 52 Vale Street, who was sworn in by City Clerk Richard J. Goldstein.
Ms. Sousa stated that she lives at 52 Vale Street with her husband and daughter. She also stated that he daughter had a dog which has died.
Ms. Sousa testified that initially a neighbor brought concerns regarding disturbances in the area to her attention; however, she thought it was a daycare and not an overnight kennel. She stated that she subsequently heard barking early in the morning and late at night.
Ms. Sousa stated that the barking had affected her daughter’s dog.
She testified that, since January 25, when she has been in her backyard, she has heard barking as well as people yelling at the dogs. Although she is hard of hearing, she stated that the noise was loud enough for her to hear.
Ms. Sousa stated that the kennel owner had installed soundproof windows, but she could still hear the barking. She further testified that for three weeks, starting at about 3:30 a.m. on a Sunday, she heard loud barking that continued into the morning. She stated that she was unsure whether anyone was present at the kennel at the time.
Ms. Sousa stated that approximately one and a half weeks ago, she heard aggressive growling. She also stated that neighboring dogs respond to the dogs at the kennel.
Ms. Sousa stated that she does not notice odors from the kennel, although she indicated that a neighbor does. She expressed concern that the license should not have been approved so quickly and stated that the noise is constant. She also noted that a light at the property remains on 24 hours a day.
The next speaker was Maddie Weeden, 64 Vale Street, who was sworn in by City Clerk Richard J. Goldstein.
Ms. Weeden stated that she lives directly behind the kennel. She recalled that at the original hearing they were told that there would be no noise from the dogs because Mr. Rosado was a good trainer and that dog training was an art. She stated that in 2024, she testified that her concerns primarily involved noise and odors.
She has three dogs, which are usually quiet, but are now responding to the dogs in the kennel.
She stated that she contacted Animal Control to complain about the noise, which has been constant. She indicated that there had been no improvement with respect to the odors.
Ms. Weeden testified that the noise conditions changed in 2025, but not for the better. She stated that there have been no significant changes in 2026. She stated that odors remain an issue, although they were not as severe this summer as they were last summer. She stated that there was a window with a hose that appeared to discharge odorous air from the HVAC system.
She stated that she was considering selling her home but a realtor advised that she would potentially lose money because of the issues associated with the kennel.
She stated that in April 2026, she asked the Board not to renew the license or, alternatively, not to allow overnight boarding.
Ms. Weeden also expressed concerns regarding the impact of the kennel on raising her child with that level of noise. She stated that she would not have purchased the property had she known the kennel would be located there.
Attorney Goins asked Ms. Weeden whether she had reviewed the zoning regulations when she purchased the property in 2023.
Ms. Weeden responded “no.”
She also stated upon questioning from Ms. Goins that she did not have objections to the businesses that were there when she bought the house.
Ms. Weeden stated that the problem lies with no buffer between her residential home and the kennel property. She stated that there are approximately 34 feet between the properties and not the required 200 feet. She had video to show the board.
Attorney Goins objected to the admission of audio and video evidence, stating that she had not been provided an opportunity to review the evidence.
The next speaker was Kiara Whitsey, 45 Patterson Avenue, who was sworn in by City Clerk Richard J. Goldstein.
Ms. Whitsey stated that she has lived at 45 Patterson Avenue since May 2023 and resides next door to the kennel. She testified that she first began experiencing significant noise from the kennel in May 2024. She stated that she contacted several City officials and testified before the Board in May 2024 regarding barking that occurred throughout the day.
Ms. Whitsey stated that she spoke with the owner about the noise and was told that there was nothing he could do. She testified that the noise worsened in 2024, improved somewhat in mid-2025, and then escalated again in 2026. She stated that the most recent incident occurred on August 23, when there was prolonged barking and she could hear people yelling at the dogs to be quiet.
Ms. Whitsey also described the odors from the kennel as unbearable. She stated that she had tried various home remedies but had not experienced any improvement. She expressed that she felt it was unfair to have to continue living under these conditions.
Ms. Whitsey proposed changes to the hours of operation, including closing the kennel on weekends.
She further stated that a new cleaning system was supposed to be installed but that it had not resolved the odor issues.
Ms. Whitsey stated that there is no buffer between her property and the kennel, only a chain-link fence and not the required 200ft distance.
In response to questions from Attorney Goins, Ms. Whitsey stated that she had not reviewed the Zoning Ordinance or zoning map when she purchased the property.
The next speaker was license holder, Louis Rosado, 10 Jasmine Court, Cranston, who was sworn in by City Clerk Richard J. Goldstein.
Mr. Rosado stated that he began working at an animal hospital at the age of 15 and remained there for nine years. He has worked with animals ever since. He stated that he started Harmony in another city.
Mr. Rosado stated that he spoke with Michelle Hardy in the Clerk’s Office regarding the location. He said that she initially told him twice that the location would not work, but on the third occasion, she advised him that it was acceptable.
He obtained a permit from the state. He stated that there have been no violations cited by the Department of Environmental Management (DEM) or the City.
Mr. Rosado stated that he was a dog trainer first and business owner, second. He stated that he spends many hours at the facility. He currently has five employees, whom he oversees.
He stated that his telephone number is on the building so that people can reach him on his cell phone and that he had cameras installed, which he monitors on his cell phone.
He stated that he re-sealed the garage doors and checks them annually. He has locked the doors and added HVAC units. He installed rubber flooring to reduce noise and soundproofed the windows by installing curtains to limit the sound.
Mr. Rosado stated that the toilet area is in the only place he could put it. It is sprayed down with bleach and washed.
Mr. Rosado stated that the dogs bark during feeding time. He stated that on the weekends he feeds the dogs later at approximately 9:00–9:30 a.m.
Mr. Rosado stated that he has invested approximately $100,000 in the building. He stated that he trains dogs from other daycare facilities. He acknowledged that there have been issues and stated that he spoke with neighbors early on, but they no longer reach out to him. He stated that other tenants, including a music studio, can trigger the dogs with noise. He would like to look into other options to limit the sound, but he cannot afford it at this time.
Mr. Rosado stated that he has never been told of a violation of the noise ordinance.
Mr. Rosado stated that overnight boarding and doggie daycare are about equal in the number of dogs. He stated that he provides both boarding and training services and works to help dogs become calmer.
Mr. Rosado stated that he would be willing to meet with City officials and neighbors to discuss the issues, as this is he livelihood.
Mr. Rosado stated that the aggressive dogs are not necessarily the loudest dogs.
He stated that there is no requirement for the dogs to be let outside, although he believes dogs should be allowed outside to stretch their legs.
Mr. Rosado stated that he does not exceed 40 dogs per day. He stated that most dogs board for approximately one week and that he typically boards between four and twelve dogs per night.
He stated that there are also two resident dogs at the facility.
Mr. Rosado stated that there are no regulations regarding who may work as a dog trainer and that he consistently pursues continuing education.
Mr. Rosado stated that the area was previously industrial and had businesses that generated significant noise.
Councilor Gregor questioned Mr. Rosado regarding his signing of the affidavit stating that he had read the ordinance and would comply, which is part of the license application.
Mr. Rosado stated that he thought he did not have to meet the requirements under §410-60. He stated that he first became aware of the issues when he attended the first informal hearing.
Mr. Rosado stated that he has approval to board 37 dogs overnight.
He stated that he cannot invest additional money into the building if he is uncertain whether he will be allowed to continue operating there.
Mr. Rosado stated that he sublet part of the building to a dog-grooming business.
Attorney Goins stated that the landlord will meet with the musical tenant to discuss the late-night noise issues.
The next speaker was Liv Keaton, 411 Valley Street, Providence, RI, who was sworn in by City Clerk Richard J. Goldstein.
Ms. Keaton stated that she is a client of Harmony. She never saw unsanitary conditions or heard barking. Her dog was trained not to bark.
The next speaker was Megan MacMurray, 145 Sayles Avenue, Pawtucket, RI, who was sworn in by City Clerk Richard J. Goldstein.
Ms. MacMurray stated that her dog has worked with Mr. Rosado. She stated that Mr. Rosado is a great trainer. Her dog is learning control. She stated that she has never heard many dogs barking. She believes that Mr. Rosado is a valuable resource.
The next speaker was Ken Cruise, 163 Medway Street, Providence, RI, who was sworn in by City Clerk Richard J. Goldstein.
Mr. Cruise had an aggressive dog and Harmony was very helpful. He felt the trainers really care. He stated that the facility is constantly cleaned and that repairs are made as needed.
Mr. Cruise believes that they are trying to operate a good business.
Speaking was Desiree Roussin, 10 Prouty Street, Brookfield, Massachusetts, appearing via Zoom.
Ms. Roussin stated that Mr. Rosado has saved many animals.
Ms. Roussin stated that she is an Animal Control Officer and operates a facility. She stated that Mr. Rosado assists with placing dogs and that his training services are important to the neighborhood.
COUNCIL RECESS AT 9:57 P.M.
THE COUNCIL RETURNS AT 10:08 P.M.
Attorney Goins stated that it was important to understand that zoning is about land use, while licensing is a separate matter. She stated that the City determined that it was appropriate to allow a kennel in the MO Zone.
Attorney Goins stated that a license cannot be used to change the zoning and that there have been no violations. She stated that the City should renew the license without any stipulations.
She stated that they would meet with City officials to discuss improvements.
There were no other speakers and the Formal Hearing was closed.
No action was taken by the Pawtucket Board of License Commissioners.
Harmony (Harmony Dog Training LLC) 65 Patterson Ave. LIC#KNL-25-2
Upon motion made by Councilor Araujo, seconded by Councilor Wildenhain, the meeting was adjourned at 10:41 p.m.