Framingham Selectmen Reject Request for Recycling Expansion

Framingham Selectmen unanimously said no to Conigliaro Industries for a license to buy and sell junk metal.

Greg Conigliaro, owner of the business on Waverly Street, is stock holder and board of director of New England Compound Center, a closed Framingham firm linked to a national deadly meninigitis outbreak that killed 64 people and infected more than 750 people in 20 states.

Selectmen denied the license request stating Conigliaro was not a suitable candidate for the license.

Town Counsel Chris Petrini said Selectmen under state law, could deny the license based on suitability of the applicant or need in town.

Conglliaro is one of 14 recently indicted in the meningitis case. He was indicted for instructing New England Compounding (NECC) staff to create 300 fraudulent prescriptions. Two others, including another owner, are facing second-degree murder charges. The applicant is not facing that charge.

Attorney Dan Rabinovitz told Selectmen his client Conigliaro is innocent until proven guilty.

“I think it is very relevant that we consider those (federal) charges,” said Selectmen Chair Charles Sisitsky. ”There is no questions there are very serious charges, and would effect his suitability to have this license.”

“Character comes into play,” for me said Selectman Jason Smith.

Rabinovitz said if Selectmen were looking at the federal charge as one aspect of his moral character, they should also consider that Conigliaro, a Southborough resident, was a decorated veteran, having served in the Air Force National Guard.

The attorney also stressed that Conigliaro Industries have nothing to do with the charges that were brought against New England Compounding Center and its owners. He said they were two different businesses.

Rabinovitz said Conigliaro is in charge of the day-to-day operations at Conigliaro Industries but that he was not in charge of the day-to-day operations at NECC, in respect to the lab.

Sisitsky said Selectmen could make a decision now on the license, which they did last Tuesday, Jan. 6, or they could delay a decision until after the trial.

All five Selectmen voted to deny the license.

The applicant was told he was welcome to re-apply after the trial.