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"This is a very special site," said Charles Wisnioski. "When people want to relax they go to the river."
While two residents spoke against it, more than 20 residents spoke in favor of the council's proposed ordinance, which was adopted after the hearing by a unanimous vote. The ordinance authorizes the town to offer as much as $962,500 for the property, less the cost of environmental remediation. If the owners of the land, Riverfront Future Partners do not agree to the offer, the town will initiate a "taking" or eminent domain process to use the land as a public park.
Town officials said initiating the process will also allow them to access the property for a "Phase III" environmental study, which will allow the to determine the cost of cleanup. Under the ordinance, the clean-up cost would be deducted from the offer. Should that cost be excessive, the town would have the option of pulling out of the project.
But while there are hurdles to clear, most of the residents who attended the meeting applauded the council for taking action on the site, which has been the source of controversy for more than 20 years.
The foundry produced cast iron products but the aging site now sits in disrepair on Glastonbury Avenue and Meadow Road.
Wendell Coogan said while he will struggle to pay taxes next year, it's great to see the town spend money on such a worthy effort.
"I can't imagine a better place for our money to go than preserving our heritage - our river," he said.
Numerous residents talked about the amenities in the area, the past history of the site and the foundry's closing in 1983 - to the various proposals for its redevelopment. Various proposals for condominium use and at least one which involved a banquet facility were rejected by various boards and commissions and the subject of lawsuits, some of which were dependent on the others. The town won the suits.
Attorney James F. Ripper, who represents the property owner, attended the meeting but only asked the council to make sure the ordinance included the towers in the purchase, since those included some needed easement rights. After some discussion on the issue, Town Manager Barbara Gilbert checked and said they are part of the proposal.
Last week, Ripper said he felt the town's decision was premature but he said it had the right to pursue this claim. He did, however, say he feels the price the town is offering is too low and the process will generate a more realistic one.
Two resident spoke against the proposal.
One man said he opposed the town obtaining any more parks that would require tax dollars.
Later in the meeting Councilor Rocco Sanzo asked Town Manager Barbara Gilbert if the park would require any additional staff members.
Gilbert said one more seasonal worker would be and is already needed but is not in the budget due to the economy.
Many residents countered that the current situation is currently much more dangerous and is a huge lability in addition to an eyesore. Broken windows, graffiti and the huge cement towers are some of the worst problems, residents said.
Ed Chiucarello said the property is extremely dangerous. He said when handing out flyers, one young man lamented the possible loss and told him the site is where he and his friends go to do drugs.
Chiucarello also showed a video of the property and absent adequate sound - and at the urging of fellow residents - broke into a chorus of "Knock Down the Foundry." The video can be found by searching Rocky Hill Foundry at Youtube.com.
Other residents said many out-of-town visitors question them about the site and wonder why the town hasn't taken action. Others said Rocky Hill needs to catch up with towns such as Glastonbury that have worked hard to preserving riverfront property.
Some also urged the council to consider possibilities that would generate some income. Since the town is pursuing the land as a park those options would be limited but the town could pursue some, LaRosa said after the meeting. The Pond House Cafe in West Hartford, for example, is within Elizabeth Park, he pointed out.
Town Council members also told residents that there the passing of the ordinance does not mean the foundry will be torn down immediately. The ordinance will not even be official until 30 days after it is published.
From there the town would file paperwork to seek access to the site for the environmental study, which will involve more than 50 probes into the ground to test for contaminants. If the town clears that hurdle and the cost of clean-up would not be excessive, the town would still potentially have to go through a process if the owner appeals the decision.
She said if all goes smoothly, the town could own the site by Oct. 1. If it is contested, it could add about six months to the process, she said.
At Sanzo's request, she also told members of the public that the proposed purchase cost would be covered by the $158,000 the town has in land acquisition, $300,000 budgeted in next year's budget and the $708,000 the town has in a fund for the foundry, which many said largely came with the help of the late state Rep. Richard Tulisano.
She said the environmental study would cost between $105,000 to $120,000.
If the town is successful in purchasing the property, the town would have to hold a referendum to authorize the demolition, which is estimated at $700,000 to $1 million. Gilbert added that she would seek grants to lower the amount the town would have to bond for such a project - should it pass.
Many on the council reiterated the feelings that it is time to act. Mayor Anthony LaRosa said some six mayors and eight councils have worked on the issue.
Barbara Surwilo said different approaches have been tried and some 200 to 300 meeting held on the foundry.
"Now is the time to just get it done," she said.
