Construction Resumes At Belleville 'Eminent Domain' Property

Belleville, NJ – Construction is underway again at 170 Washington Avenue.

On April 22, Michael Melham, a former Belleville resident and property owner, reported that construction has restarted at his Washington Avenue property, which has been at the center of a federal lawsuit involving former interim township manager Kevin Esposito.

Melham filed a federal civil action against Esposito in May of 2015, claiming that Esposito – serving in his dual roles as manager and tax assessor – reassessed his property at 170 Washington Avenue from $528,000 to $298,000 as part of an eminent domain proceeding, costing his real estate partner to drop out of the deal.

• See related article: Belleville Town Manager Resigns Amid 'Dual Office' Controversy

“Void of municipal blockades and interference, we have received five deliveries over the past two weeks and the second story is nearly complete,” Melham wrote. “I’ve received many compliments and well wishes from many people throughout the township… This includes many municipal employees and several members of the township administration.”

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Photo courtesy of Michael Melham