PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Nissan of Pittsfield will operate under new ownership as "Bella Nissan of Pittsfield" after a problematic past.

On Monday, the Licensing Board approved a 2024 Class 1 auto dealer license for the 25 West Housatonic St. business. New owners Javier Columbie and Benjamin Farber want to turn the dealership around after it was investigated for failing to pay off the loans on trade-ins, among other complaints.

Bella Nissan of Pittsfield will have to pay a renewal fee for 2025, but the company wanted to prevent the business from "going dark" in the interim. During the meeting, the former license owned by Team Nissan Inc., which expires on Dec. 31, was revoked.

"Given what's happened with Team Nissan, their bad behavior, and given your very noble actions vis-a-vis the community, I think we're inclined, and I don't want to speak for everybody up there, but we're inclined to do what you want us to do," Chairman Thomas Campoli said.

The purchase agreement reportedly includes repaying liabilities — especially outstanding car loans —with funds held in escrow. Farber said affected consumers are the No. 1 priority, and then other entities such as landlords and banks will be repaid.

The closing documents were expected to take effect on Tuesday after Team Nissan signed off.

"There's actually still three vehicles belonging to customers who purchased vehicles there that were never paid off, like people had come and complained about," he explained.

"There are a few other people who, maybe you haven't heard from, who had some vehicles that weren't paid off. Part of those funds are being earmarked for that. There's funds to complete the registrations and get plates for everybody who's part of that."