Revocation Hearing, Broco Energy, 168 Hale Street

Doc 100 – Revocation hearing relative license issued to Broco Energy relative to SPFL-25-2, due to failure to notify abutters within the statutory deadline

168 Hale Street, Haverhill, MA on OpenStreetMap

Minutes

*moved to beginning of hearing*

President Jordan opened the hearing.

President Jordan noted this hearing is to revoke what was approved in their increase due to the fact abutters were not notified. This is not a hearing to discuss the merits of whether this project is good or bad.

Robert Brown, owner of Broco Energy. He apologized for the mistake of not notifying abutters. His current representative took a leave of absence, and it slipped through the cracks. He noted the company’s commitment to the community and open communication.

President Jordan asked if anyone would like to speak in opposition.

Several abutters and neighbors addressed the Council regarding the proposed Broco Energy project. Mike Rousseau of 9 Burke Street cited ongoing safety concerns, noting that Broco Energy already stores fuel in a residential neighborhood and has experienced multiple fires. He described frequent fire truck traffic, including tankers and 18-wheelers, as disruptive to neighborhood streets, sleep, and quality of life, and urged the Council to deny any permits for additional fuel storage before a tragedy occurs. Ken Sear of 7 Norfolk Street stated that his name was not included on the abutters notification despite being the property owner and raised safety concerns based on past incidents. He emphasized the need to ensure the Fire Department has adequate equipment, foam, and apparatus to handle risks associated with oil, propane, and nearby nitrogen before the project proceeds. Robert Rousseau of Amesbury, a former abutter and 40-year neighbor of the project site, stated that no formal safety studies have been conducted and criticized the continued expansion of the business over the years. In response, Bobby Brown, Broco Energy stated that the December 12, 2021 incident resulted in significant safety improvements, including new infrastructure, increased funding, enhanced firefighting resources, and stronger coordination with the Fire Department, noting that while the freight train fire originated outside Lawrence under CSX control, the response improved overall preparedness. Hashem Fayed of Broco Energy echoed Mr. Brown’s remarks, acknowledged and apologized for a mistake, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to the community, and emphasized ongoing close collaboration with the Fire Department to ensure project safety.

President Jordan closed the hearing.

President Jordan asked council what is your wish.

Motion by Councilor Sullivan to approve the revocation, Second by Councilor Lewandowski

Councilor Basiliere stated that he would support the revocation in order to ensure that neighbors are properly heard, citing concerns raised by residents in early December and acknowledging Mr. Brown’s accountability. Councilor Lewandowski noted that similar concerns had been raised during a prior permit hearing and acknowledged that while the discussion extended beyond the formal scope of the revocation, it was helpful. She expressed appreciation for the applicant’s accountability and thanked the neighbors for their participation. Council President Jordan stated that the matter provided an opportunity to discuss concerns and work toward common ground, noting that in his experience on the Council, better outcomes are achieved when developers actively work with the surrounding neighborhood.

Motion by Councilor Sullivan to approve the revocation, Second by Councilor Lewandowski
PASSED – Yeas 10, Nays 0, Absent 1 (McGonagle)

President Jordan stated permit revoked.

City Council, December 2, 2025, where SPFL-25-2 was heard and granted