Advocate News Online: www.advocatenews.net Vol. 32, No.8 -FREEwww.advocatenews.net Free Every Friday Wonderland owners sue city over proposed high school site Delaware lending company challenge eminent domain price tag By Barbara Taormina T he former owners of the Wonderland property, which was taken by the city through eminent domain as the site for the new high school, are not happy with the $29.5 million Revere intends to pay for the property. CBW Lending LLC, a Wilmington, DE based Limited Liability Company, has fi led a complaint in Suff olk Superior Court which kicks off a lawsuit against the city. According to Attorney Peter Flynn, who along with Attorney Jason Scopa is representing CBW Lending, the money the city off ered for the property is inadequate and does not refl ect the fair market value of the site. “My clients recognize that in eminent domain cases, landowners can challenge if it’s an improper taking,” said Flynn who has a long history of successfully representing landowners in eminent domain takings. “They are not challenging the process; they are only challenging the amount of compensation. As Flynn sees it, the city’s off er is between $40 and $100 milBut the lawsuit looking for more money was not unexpected. “The (complaint) was not a surprise,” said City Council President Patrick Keefe. “Ultimately, I think everyone expected that there would be some litigation. We did prepare to have an attorney.” But Keefe seemed confi dent that the city’s appraisal of the property could withstand a challenge from CBW Lending. “Those are make-believe numbers. There is zero evidence that DANIEL RIZZO Councillor-At-Large lion short. “My clients who are roaringly successful people from New York, have hired the best lawyers and the best experts,” said Flynn. “The battle will be over how much that property is really worth. For city offi cials who are struggling to fi nd ways to pay for the new high school without crushing taxpayers, the idea of adding an additional $40 million to the cost of the project is daunting. piece of property is worth that. If it were such a valuable property, why would it lie vacant for so long?” he asked. “Surely they’ll try to fi nd some sort of analysis that leads to a minimum price of $70 million,” said Keefe who added he has faith in the court system to look at the numbers and come up with something fair. Councillor-At-Large Dan Rizzo also said CBW’s lawsuit was no surprise. “There was no way we were going to get that property for $29 million,” said Rizzo who SITE | SEE Page 22 Basketball Pats qualify for tourney T JESSICA GIANNINO State Representative Special to Th e Advocate he Massachusetts House of Representatives on Friday announced its committee assignments for the 2023-2024 Legislative Session. Jessica Ann Giannino (D-Revere) was appointed House Vice Chair of the Legislature’s Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities. “I am thankful to Speaker Mariano for appointing me to this leadership position; and to my Democratic colleagues for ratifying my nomination,” said Giannino. “I am eager to get to work and I am excited to work alongside House Chair Livingstone and my House and Senate colleagues on the committee to prioritize the welfare of those in our communities who need it the most.” The Joint Committee on ChilUP AND OVER: Revere Patriot Andrew Leone takes a lay-up past Hamilton-Wenham defenders during Tuesday’s win in Revere. The Patriots have qualifi ed for the playoff s. See pages 12 & 16 for story and photo highlights. (Advocate photo by Emily Harney) dren, Families and Persons with Disabilities considers all matters relative to child welfare, juvenile justice, public welfare and children and adults with physical, developmental or intellectual disabilities. It is the Committee’s responsibility to oversee the Departments of Children and Families, Developmental Services, Transitional Assistance and Youth Services; the Massachusetts Commissions for the Blind and the Deaf and Hard of Hearing; and the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission. In addition, Rep. Giannino was reappointed to the following Joint Committees: Economic Development and Emerging Technologies, Election Laws, and Environment and Natural Resources. 781-286-8500 Friday, February 24, 2023 Rep. Giannino named Vice Chair of Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities $3.48 GALLON We accept: MasterCard * Visa * & Discover Price Subject to Change without notice 100 Gal. Min. 24 Hr. Service 781-286-2602
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