THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, MARCH 3, 2023 Page 5 Eminent Domain Litigation Continues as Revere City Council Rejects Wonderland Site for New High School By James Mitchell S augus attorneys, Jason R. Scopa and Peter E. Flynn, each born and raised in Everett, are now handling the litigation stemming from the City of Revere’s eminent domain taking of the former Wonderland race track property. The City took the property in November of 2022 for the location of the new Revere High School. However, in a stunning development on Monday, February 27, 2023, Revere’s City Council refused to approve the site as the new school location. Attorneys Flynn and Scopa represent the landowners, one of whom was also born and raised in Everett, Joseph O’Donnell. O’Donnell is a well-known concession king, real estate developer, and philanthropist. He is one of the local businessmen involved with CBW Lending, LLC, the company which owned the property at the time it was taken. The total land area taken was more than 33 acres. The City approved the taking for $29.5 million but, according to the Complaint recently fi led in Suffolk County Superior Court by Scopa and Flynn on behalf of CBW Lending, the property was worth far more. According to Attorney Scopa, the owners do not intend to challenge the validity of the taking. Peter Flynn Attorney Rather, the lawsuit seeks money damages only. According to Attorney Flynn, “this is potentially the largest eminent domain case in the history of the Commonwealth.” The City has engaged outside counsel to defend the lawsuit, and the City’s Answer has been fi led asserting that CBW received full and fair compensation. Flynn and Scopa point out that Amazon recently paid $355 million for the former NECCO plant as well as $50 million for the former Showcase Cinema property, both of which are fairly similarly-situated commercial properties in Revere and not far from the Wonderland site. Comparable sales such as these will be shown to a jury when the current litigation goes to trial. According to Flynn, the valuation process is not yet complete but his team’s market data indicates that AUTOTECH DRIVE IT - PUSH IT - TOW IT! Cold Hard Cash for Your Vehicle! RIVE IT - PUSH IT - TOW IT $$ CASH FOR YOUR CAR, TRUCK OR SUV! $$ GET YOUR VEHICLE SPRING READY! Our Spring Service includes: • Complete Safety Check • AC Check • Engine Light Check • Suspension Check with Oil Change Special Only $79.95 2012 SMART CAR CABRIOLET Convertible, Excellent Condition, Deluxe Package, Heated Seats, Most Power Options, Clean Title, Only 81K Miles! TRADES WELCOME! $9,900 Easy Financing Available! (Most vehicles. Restrictions apply) 2013 KIA SOUL Loaded with Power Options, Sun Roof, Heated Seats, Remote Starter, Clean Title, Only 86K Miles! TRADES WELCOME! $8,995 (781) 321-8841 • (617) 571-9869 1236 EasternAve • Malden EddiesAutotech.com Vehicle! We Pay Cash For Your Residents of Malden, Medford, Everett, Melrose, Stoneham, Winchester and Woburn: 18 Dartmouth Street, Malden, MA — 781.322.6284 APPLY TODAY! Last day to apply is April 30, 2023 Residents of Boston, Brookline, and Newton: 178 Tremont Street, Boston, MA — 617.357.6012 Jay Scopa Attorney the value of his client’s property on the date of the taking [which is the date of valuation in all eminent domain cases] “could run anywhere from $50 million to $120 milWONDERLAND | SEE PAGE 6 WE CAN HELP PAY YOUR HEATING BILLS! You may qualify for ABCD’s Fuel Assistance Program and be eligible for as much as $2,200 towards your heating costs (oil, gas, or electric). Maximum benefit is $2,200 Household of 1 = $42,411 Household of 2 = $55,461 Household of 3 = $68,511 Household of 4 = $81,561 Cold days are coming. ABCD’s got you covered. Subscribe to the Advocate Online: www.advocatenews.net
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