The dilapidated historic site near the Connecticut River, whose workers once produced cast iron products as diverse as lawn mower parts and lavish bookends, has been a point of controversy for more than 20 years since the business closed its doors in 1983.
"It's a black eye in the town of Rocky Hill," Mayor Anthony LaRosa said.
On Monday, the Town Council will host a hearing and likely vote on a proposed ordinance to acquire the land for a public park - first by writing a check to current owner Riverfront Future Partners and should that be rejected - by initiating a "taking" or eminent domain process.
If the ordinance passes, it will allow the town to write a check for up to $962,500 for the property - minus the cost of environmental remediation. Roughly $700,000 of that funding would come from $700,000 former state Rep. Richard Tulisano (now deceased) helped secure for the site and the rest from the town's land acquisition fund.
If the owner rejects that offer, the town would initiate that "taking" process.
Either way, the ordinance - once it becomes effective - would allow the town to get on to the property for a Phase III environmental study, LaRosa said. The first two phases of study looked at surface contaminants and some sub surface samples but the third phase would involve the boring of some 50 holes to provide an in-depth study of the soil for contaminants, LaRosa said. The town would then be able to learn what level of remediation is needed and subtract it from the price. An insurance policy would guard the town against any future surprises.
If remediation proves to be more costly than the proposed price the town could utilize its 90 day window to back out of the process.
LaRosa said the price is based on two appraisals of the property. One came in at roughly $1 million and the other at $2 million. The latter one, however, did not account for demolition costs.
"As far as the council is concerned that is a good faith offer," LaRosa said.
Attorney James F. Ripper said the town has a right to pursue the property but contends that the price is out of line.
"The appraisals are absurdly low," Ripper said.
He said the value will rise during the eminent domain appeals process, which includes another appraisal. Ripper said the town's appraisals rely too much on the residential potential of the parcels when there are many other potential uses. He also said while the company is not ready to propose anything just yet, there are ongoing discussions about the property and ideas for redevelopment.
Industrial use at the site dates back to 1835, according to the Rocky Hill Historical Society. In 1881 a foundry was built and in 1919 a new building replaced the one that burned down a year earlier. For the past several years, the site has been a point of contention. LaRosa said six mayors, eight councils and various economic development staff and boards have worked on various proposals over the years.
Riverfront Future Partners proposed several variations of multi-level age-restricted housing proposals in the early to mid-2000s, all of which were rejected by the town and regional boards and commissions. Several lawsuits, many contingent on each other were filed over those decisions but the town won those.
While LaRosa said the town has discussed the property at length and was recently very close to a deal with the company, Ripper contends there was no real feedback from the town.
Ripper said the town is considering the acquisition for the benefit of just a few residents rather than the whole town.
LaRosa maintains the property is a visual blight and a severe safety hazard. He also feels the area could be attractive to many, not just those in close proximity.
"I want it to be a destination," LaRosa said.
If the town is successful in obtaining the property it would have to go to referendum to authorize the cost of demolition.