A controversy which erupted a an Economic Development Committee meeting a few weeks ago, flared again at the Common Council meeting Monday night.
Council member Ron Klattenberg again challenged the Mayor Sebastian Giuliano who gave permission for Ron Borrelli, a Republican member of the Planning and Zoning Commission to enter city property on Bow Lane to remove brownstone on the property where Buckeye Pipeline was demolishing houses as part of deal for an easement through the property.
Klattenberg read from an email from the Long Hill Estate written this month, claiming they could put the brownstone to good use at the estate.
Klattenberg then offered a resolution to have the brownstone returned by Borelli and donated to the Long Hill estate or be offered to the public in open bidding.“The brownstone was irresponsibly given to a fellow party member,” Klattenberg charged.
The mayor, for his part, insisted that the brownstone was under the control of Buckeye Pipeline, from who Borrelli reportedly got permission to remove the brownstone.
Council member Gerry Daley entered the fray by accusing the mayor of giving permission to Borrelli to remove surplus property.
“I don’t know why you can’t just say it was a mistake,” Daley asked the mayor.
“Because it wasn’t. The brownstone was not in city control. Our agreement with Buckeye called for the demolition of the property at no cost of the city, with no reservation. If they wanted to let people pull shingles from the roof or go in and take plumbing out, that’s Buckeye’s prerogative.”
Borrelli himself asked to speak, and was allowed to, insisting that he went through all appropriate channels, and that if the city wanted the brownstone back, he would deliver it if they would pay for his labor.
“I’ll drop it on your doorstep,” he said, addressing Klattenberg.
When the question was called the ultimate vote of 7-5 requires the mayor to request that Borrelli return the brownstone.
“The Long Hill estate voted tonight. They don’t want the brownstone,” Borrelli informed the Council.
After the meeting Borrelli argued that the Council had made a mistake.
“They’ll pay for my labor, and in the end they’ll find that it’s going to cost them more than the brownstone is worth.”
