STONE HARBOR — One week after the referendum, borough council declined to introduce an ordinance on first reading July 3, an unusual move. If passed, the ordinance would have allowed for vacation of a portion of Chelsea Place; borough-owned land between First and Second avenues and 106th and 107th streets.
According to council, the land would have a real value of two lots worth an estimated $1.5 to $2 million each, though there was no indication there was an immediate plan to sell the land.
“It is a step in the process of selling it, and I’m voting against it,” Councilman Karl Giulian said.
Councilmen Randall Bauer, Brian Levinson, and Council President Barry Matrangelo followed with similar concerns for the ordinance, while Councilwoman Anne Wannen and Councilman Julian Miraglia maintained the ordinance would be a forward step for the borough.
“It’s getting our portfolio in the best condition, so that we have this land as an asset,” said Councilman Julian Miraglia.
Councilman Randall Bauer said he had a problem with item five on the ordinance, which called for notice to be sent at least one week in advance of the ordinance final passing to every person whose lands may be affected by the ordinance.
“I think we should be more open with the people who live there,” Bauer said.
Councilman Brian Levinson warned against passing the ordinance in wake of the referendum election June 26 overturning a $6 million bond ordinance, including $2.4 million for a new recreation center at 82nd Street fields.
“There is so much mis-information and mis-trust. This is not the right time,” Levinson said.
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