Sal DiNardo eminent domain deal gets second look

“City officials may not have to pursue eminent domain for a South End property after all, but if they do the public will have a chance to voice its opinion.

Last month, the City Council’s Economic Development Committee approved a plan that gave the city and Port Authority the power to seize four properties on South Avenue and transfer them to controversial developer Sal DiNardo, who would pay all costs of the acquisition.

But moments before a final council vote was expected on the plan Monday, Councilwoman Lydia Martinez, at the request of city officials, sent the item back to the committee and requested a public hearing on the subject.

“The city and the Port Authority requested the matter be tabled,” said Elaine Ficarra, spokesman for Mayor Bill Finch, after the meeting, “so they can respond to the owners who had reached out to the city in the hopes of coming to an agreement regarding the purchase price of the property.””

read the entire article

Oscalo, Kelia Tores. CT Post 7 August 2013.