A Route 6 used car lot that apparently lacks permits and a plan, was told to go back and do its homework if it expects relief from the Planning Board.

Rich Rheaume, an engineer hired by the owner of 2 Russell St. (which joins Route 6 from the south) approached the board recently, for guidance he said, after the town Highway Department had ordered his client to go through site plan review for the property due to drainage issues.

There was once a house on that corner lot, he said — it was torn down a few years ago. Later, photos show that the lot was covered with stone dust. In 2018, the lot was paved and used cars were parked on it, all done without town review and permission.

Those cars, Town Planner James Hartnett said later, were from Carvalho’s Bargain Motors next door to the east, although another entity actually owns the 2 Russell Street location.

Now, Mr. Rheaume said, his client (the owner) has been told that he is in violation. The state does not allow storm water to run onto state-owned Route 6 where it can freeze, nor should runoff flow onto Russell Street.

“So about the only thing to do is come in and talk with you,” the engineer said.

Our alternatives, he said, appear to be “leave it as is in violation (or) remove the pavement which ends up causing water problems.”

“So where does the water go now? Board Chairman James Whitin asked.

“It’s basically just held down by the pavement,” Mr. Rheaume replied.

“Water is held down by the pavement? Could you explain that to me please?”

Mr. Whitin added, “I would suggest that you come back with some sort of proposal that includes a site plan … I’m really at a loss as to what your question is.”

Board member James Watterson went further.

“We don’t go around waiving things because that’s the way they used to do it. This is not a one-horse town. I find it distasteful to even have to listen to this … the demolition of the house was done without a demolition permit, he occupied the site with cars without application to or permit from the town …”

“I think the bottom line is that this client has to spend a little money to figure out the right thing to do,” said board member Robert Daylor.