Newington Throws Costco Curveball
By Robin Vinci at October 14, 2023 | 9:45 am | Print
The Common Council approved selling 15.32 acres of land at 245 Hartford Rd. for $4.1 million to Costco Wednesday night, but not before a Newington Councilman threw a wrench into the plan.
Maureen Klett, a Newington Councilman, said that the Newington Town Council first spoke about the land located in Newington Tuesday night that is owned by the state. New Britain planned on getting that land to build three new golf holes. Newington has the first right of refusal.
“Some people have said Newington will give up the right of refusal,” said Klett. “That is not true. No one on the council is willing to give up that land.”
She said there has been correspondence, but “whatever decision you make here tonight should not be done thinking we are going to roll over and hand you the land. It is rightly ours first….If someone is leading you folks to believe it has happened or is going to happen, I want you to know the town of Newington knows how important that land will be.”
Mayor Timothy Stewart, immediately came into the Council Chambers to speak as a citizen.
“Ms Klett publicly stated at her meeting last night that we should hold the City of New Britain hostage and get more money out of them for this property,” said Stewart. “If the property is so valuable to them why did they not seek it until this particular time? They have no interest in the property.”
Stewart said he talked to the Newington Mayor and town manager and they have no interest in the property, but it is the vote of the council.
“If that is being a good neighbor by holding the city hostage I think one needs to take a look in the mirror and evaluate why you are in public services,” said Stewart. “That is the most ridiculous thing I ever heard.”
Resident Sharon Baretta asked the council to hold off voting on the project until they had all their ducks in a row.
“How high do you wish to go to purchase that property?,” Baretta asked.
According to the deal with Costco, if that land does not become available, the contract could become null.
The council went ahead and approved the contract any way by a vote of 11-3. Voting against the project were Democrats David DeFronzo, Eva Magnaszewski and Michael Trueworthy.
Joseph Montosano representing Costco said the contract details included a cost of $4.1 million for the property; and that Costco will acquire the state land and then reimburse the city for it; Costco will pay to redo all the holes; Costco will pay real estate taxes in full in NB and in town of Newington; Costco will pay for all road improvements; will pay all fees for permits.
