Carney Critical Of Town Work On Eyesore

Republican first selectman candidate Owen Carney Wednesday night took issue with the planned use of town employees in the removal of the old Texaco station on Church Hill Road.

“I think it is an inappropriate use of town funds to be removing garbage from private property,” Mr Carney said during the public participation portion of the Board of Selectmen meeting in the Cyrenius H. Booth Library.

In response to a question from Mr Carney, First Selectman Herb Rosenthal said David Rosato of DGR Contracting & Demolition had volunteered to dismantle the eyesore and put debris into dumpsters that will be hauled away by the town highway department.

Several weeks ago Mr Rosenthal proposed the creation of a blight ordinance, which, if approved, would give the town the authority to remove eyesores such as the gas station or broken down cars from residential properties. Ernie Wiehl, who now lives in Florida, reportedly read the article in The Newtown Bee and contacted Mr Rosenthal about his Church Hill Road property.

An agreement was reached, and approved by Borough officials, which provides for the removal of the building. Once operated by the Oberg family of Newtown, the old gas station has been closed for more than a dozen years. Underground gasoline tanks were removed in 1988.

“Mr Wiehl is responsible for any tanks – and there may be one left,” Mr Rosenthal said. 

Mr Carney said he objected to the use of town funds to dispose of the debris.

“You are entitled to your opinion,” Mr Rosenthal responded.

Six years ago, Mr Wiehl was negotiating to sell the property to Big Y Shopping Center owner Joe Kasper but no agreement was reached.