Board of Aldermen Approves Purchase of Oronoque Road Property

The city Board of Aldermen unanimously approved $1. 1 million for the purchase of the 13.45-acre parcel of land at 462 Oronoque Road on Monday night -- but Mayor James Richetelli conceded it's not dedicated as open space now.

The town will pay $1.1 million for the land up front -- and get back $450,000 in back taxes at the closing -- making the cost $650,000, according to the mayor's office.

The city decided to buy the land to prohibit a developer from using it for what has been described as a junkyard.  The land borders Rivercrest Farms.

But unanimous approval came at the Board of Aldermen meeting at City Hall only after Alderman Nick Veccharelli questioned the wisdom of the purchase when budget cuts were leading to layoffs; estimated that the city would have to pay $75,000 to $100,000 annually to keep the property; and noted that the land has not been dedicated as open space, and could be sold later.

"I understand it's not going to be open space," Veccharelli said, adding, "When the time comes, we probably will be able to make good money on this property."

Mayor James Richetelli conceded that the future use of the land had not yet been determined -- and that it had not been dedicated as open space. But he noted that government officials could later dedicate the parcel as open space or, if the economy worsens, sell the property.

"All we're doing with this purchase is preserving options for the future," the mayor said.

His comments were met with applause from the public.

In other business, the board:

1. Approved $485,000 for the realignment, reconstruction, and traffic safety improvements of Old Gate Lane under the Metro-North Railroad bridge.

2. Approved the appointment of Nancy Tuder to the Animal Shelter Commission to complete the unexpired term of Marlene Scrivani, who resigned.

3. Approved the formation of a Veterans, Ceremony and Parade Commission.

4. Approved $80,000 state grant to improve Bridgeport Avenue.