111 East Main St Eminent Domain

Called the town's presentation 'erroneous and exaggerated,' defended property rights, and argued the Science Center would be a better downtown magnet than a hotel.

Argued the eminent domain process is premature and incomplete, and questioned whether alternative private development deals are being hidden from the public.

Read a letter from teacher Garrett Moore supporting the Science Center as an educational and career opportunity for local students.

Said the hearing is incomplete — the town hasn't said what it actually plans to put on the site.

Asked whether the West Marine building next door is next on the eminent domain list.

Argued eminent domain shouldn't benefit a private hotel project and warned of huge taxpayer costs, citing the Gyrodyne case.

Questioned who pays for the acquisition and pressed for a specific, legally sufficient public purpose for the parcel.

FRANCA president voiced strong support for the Science Center and suggested the town partner with or fund it instead of taking the property.

The unpaid contractor described the mechanic's lien and said the Science Center still owes him roughly $20,000.

Pressed the board on cost — pointing out there's no appraisal yet — and asked whether any officials have talked to the developer about the site.

Warned of a serious legal fight if the town proceeds and argued the town should work with the existing Science Center rather than an undefined alternative.

Focused on taxpayer costs, noting the town has busted the tax cap for years and residents can't afford more spending.

Delivered a poem arguing for the Science Center, citing $3.5 million in committed grants and a $884,000 Jump Start grant expiring June 30.

Strongly backed the condemnation, calling the building a vacant blight and saying repeated Science Center promises have produced nothing.

Asked whether the town could negotiate a fair purchase or land swap with the Science Center instead of condemning it.

Argued the real issue is that every downtown problem keeps getting solved with the same beneficiary, and demanded financial disclosures and recusals.

On Zoom, asked how the condemnation would be paid for and questioned whether an 'activation site' can really guarantee downtown revival.