Troy report on hearings issued

Troy

A final City Council report issued Monday on two controversial demolition projects and code enforcement urges the city to get rid of political influence in city operations.

"It is paramount that considerations for all members of the community are taken as the number one priority over the few who may have access or connection to City Hall," the report concludes.

City Council President Rodney Wiltshire said the city must wring out the politics that impede good service and transparency. Council Robert Doherty said that "political shenanigans" must come to an end instead of dominating city discourse and policies.

The report doesn't find criminal fault for the acts surrounding the demolition of 4-10 King St. in August 2013, the demolition work at King Fuels site in 2013 and 2014 or the closing of 51 Third St. by code enforcement in 2014.

But, the reports asserts, "... the absence of any such claims shall not imply that criminal wrongdoing did not occur." The report further notes that other agencies the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and FBI are investigating the demolition activities.

Wiltshire said the council has sought action by the administration to deal with problems, but that none has occurred.

The report comes after six hearings were held from April through September 2014 about the demolition work and code enforcement.

The report reviews the events surrounding King Street, King Fuels and 51 Third St. and makes recommendations to improve communications and oversight by the city administration in demolition and code enforcement.

"I will look at the report. I want to see what they say," Mayor Lou Rosamilia said.

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Troy report on hearings issued