History: Willimantic Redevelopment, Part 5

Jillson House 1963

Vacant Lots and Broken Dreams:
Urban Renewal in Willimantic Connecticut
Richard Baber

Part 5


With everything in place, the project began to move forward.  Appraisals were conducted on all properties in the target area: a relocation staff was hired and all property owners, business owners and tenants were notified that their were to be squired.  As appraisals came in, offers were made and properties were bought.  Overall the project was proceeding smoothly and although there had been much debate throughout the process there had been relatively little controversy  That however would soon change.

At a regularly  scheduled meeting of the WRA on January 24, 1973, a request was made to amend the original plans to eliminate Broad Street which had been designated for residential units.  This change would create one large downtown commercial parcel which, it was argued, would be attractive to developers.  The housing needs could be meet by working with The Willimantic  Housing Authority at developing alternative sites..

It was proposed that the building at 696-704 Main Street (commonly known as the Hurley-Grant building) be changed from re habitation status to "be acquired status."  What was revealed in the course of discussion that this building was owned by WRA  Chairman  Dr. Rudolph Pino.  Furthermore, he had purchased it in June of 1971. only 18 months earlier.  He claimed that he had intended to rehabilitate the buildings but the cost soon made it prohibitive and there was no conflict of interest or impropriety.

The federal government responded the following day.  According to HUD legal council, Atty Joseph Gelletich, WRA chairman Pino violated contracts between HUD and the WRA.  Citing section 508. "No member of an agency may profit from the activities of the Agency." He said Dr Pino's  involvement could result in the federal government terminating its financial obligations to the city.

In spite of this, on October 18, 1973, the WRA agreed to buy the Pino building for the appraised price of $89,500, which would result in a $40,000 windfall for Dr. Pino.  At the next meeting on October 25, 1973, Betty Lou Williams refused to reveal the appraised amounts, and when asked about the pino transaction  by James Aubrey she responded by saying "actually its none of your damn business."  Three days later Mayor David Calchera reacted:  Commissioners have no business speculating in the redevelopment area...if there is one thing we don't need its more distrust of public officials. The agency in turn attacked the mayor for not attending WRA meetings and not taking an interest in the project. The local bickering on the issued ended when, on Octover30, 1973, HUD  determined that the Pino transaction constituted a conflict of interest and threatened to freeze the funding.  The state concurred, on January 1, 1974, the Connecticut Department of Community Affairs withdrew $1.4 million in funding for Willimantic because of Dr Pino's financial interest in the project.

Back to Willimantic Redevelopment Menu