Lynnfield files suit against couple

LYNN – Town officials have taken action against a Walnut Street couple whom officials say are operating a transportation business from their home and illegally parking commercial vehicles.Attorney Thomas A. Mullen filed a lawsuit on behalf of the town Wednesday in Salem Superior Court against Juan Carlos Vargas and Nubia Soto Gomez of 565 Walnut St., contending they are violating the town bylaws by operating and parking commercial vehicles on a residential-zoned lot.The complaint states, since the couple purchased the property in January 2007 for $575,000, vans and buses identifying a hotel or shuttle service have been observed on the property by neighbors.After receiving numerous complaints from neighbors, including a signed petition from 10 area residents last January, Building Inspector John Roberto III, asked the couple to comply with the residential zoning laws.Roberto stated he also personally observed the parking of multiple commercial vehicles, including a bus, and the operation of a livery business on the property.On several occasions through personal and telephone contact with the couple Roberto states he repeatedly asked them to comply with the zoning bylaws, but despite the attempts to cease-and-desist, they failed and have refused to comply, continuing to violate the zoning laws of Lynnfield.According to the records filed with the Secretary of State, Juan Carlos Vargas is the president and treasurer of J.C. Transporations, Inc., and Nubia Soto is the registered agent of the corporation, Roberto states in his affidavit.Mullen maintains the operation of the business is creating a public nuisance, is highly disruptive and causing an inconvenience to the public.He wants a judge to enter a preliminary injunction, followed by a permanent order forbidding Vargas and Gomez from operating a livery business on the premises, ordering them from parking more than one commercial vehicle on the property or garaging any commercial vehicle in excess of two and one-half tons in gross weight.Mullen also seeks monetary costs for the town for the filing of suit and any other such relief the court deems just and proper.