Lynch v. Commissioner (Massachusetts Appeals Court)

For almost a decade, NELF has represented Robert Lynch, a taxi driver, in an ongoing effort to open up the Boston taxi market so that individuals of modest means can afford to own and operate their own taxicabs. From 1934 until this effort was initiated in 1990, Boston had not issued a single new license for half a century. Through our efforts the Police Commissioner was ordered to issue 260 new licenses "without cessation and with reasonable dispatch." Despite that order, the City has delayed and phased license issuance over a ten year period, so that the cost of a medallion, which might cost $50 in administrative costs, today remains artificially elevated at approximately $160,000 - well beyond the reach of recent immigrants and others for whom this is a well suited entry level profession. Recently, the Massachusetts Appeals Court determined that the Commissioner need not respond to a Contempt Complaint for failing to obey earlier court orders. Although the Commissioner delayed his compliance with the orders obtained by NELF, this case resulted in 260 additional medallions for that number of additional taxis on the streets of Boston, and is now concluded.