Daley Authors EDC letter to Mayor Over Brownstone

This is the letter Economic Development Committee Chair Gerry Daley has sent to Mayor Sebastian Giuliano over allegations that the mayor allowed Republican Planning and Zoning commission member Ron Borrelli to take city-owned brownstone.

Mayor Giuliano:

As you are aware, at last night’s Economic Development Committee (EDC) meeting, questions were raised concerning your apparent action in giving City property (i.e. a brownstone wall) to an individual without following the provisions of §78-9 of the Middletown Code of Ordinances that require disposition of City property in the open market. Your action may actually violate other City ordinances or State laws since the brownstone that you gave away had value.

Documentation concerning this matter is attached.

I am troubled by your dismissive remarks in today’s Middletown Press, “You want my comment? They need to get a life.” The beneficiary of your actions, Mr. Borrelli, goes on to justify your actions by saying he knows of other City property that has been given away. Please be reminded that it is your responsibility, and your pledge in your oath of office, to uphold City ordinances. Mr. Borrelli acknowledges that he sought the brownstone wall because, “I’m fixing a problem at a rental property.” This comment indicates that he realized a personal financial gain from your actions.

I am writing because members of the EDC asked that I request an explanation from you about the process that you followed for disposing of the brownstone wall and how you reconcile your actions with the provisions of the Middletown Code of Ordinances and Connecticut General Statutes. Please provide such an explanation, or demonstrate how you will remedy your error by ensuring that the City receives fair market value for the property you gave away.

Very truly yours,

Gerald E. Daley

Chair, Economic Development Committee

Common Council