Danzilli seeks to oust board for authority; appointed illegally, his court filing contends
Monroeville Redevelopment Authority's change in its meeting venue from the municipal building to Community College of Allegheny County-Boyce Campus may not matter if a former councilman wins an appeal in Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas.
John Danzilli Jr., former 4th Ward councilman, filed an appeal for a declaratory judgment. The appeal seeks to remove all members from the authority board, claiming their appointments were illegal under Monroeville, state and federal law, according to the petition.
The appeal also seeks ap-pointment of a new authority board by council or Greg Erosenko, the new mayor.
The attorney general de-ferred to the district attorney, who declined to take such action but indicated it would be merited if Danzilli's petition to remove the board members failed "to remedy the situation," the appeal says.
James Lomeo appointed the authority board members at the Feb. 12 council meeting, the same meeting during which he resigned as mayor.
In choosing those appointees, some of whom were at odds with council on matters such as development, Lomeo in essence was forcing council and some of its biggest detractors to work together.
But the authority board so far has been characterized by infighting and a decision to not use Monroeville's municipal building or staff for meetings.
The appeal, in which attorneys Brenda Sebring and William Otto are representing Danzilli, claims Danzilli was deprived of rights to due process because the appointments did not give him the opportunity to apply for the authority board.
The appeal claims the authority board members were appointed sooner than was allowed under Monroeville's home rule charter and that some of those appointments were made for longer than five years or with no ending date.
The appeal also claims that because four of the five appointees are female, gender was used in consideration of the appointments, which also violates U.S. and state law.
- Login or register to post comments
- Printer friendly version
- send to friend
- 1485 reads
I am gravely disappointed in Mr. Danzilli's decision to file this legal action. Whether you think Jim Lomeo was capricious, vindictive, or inspired in the way he appointed the Monroeville Redevelopment Authority, he clearly did give Council and Dissidents the opportunity to work together and heal the wounds so our community can work with one accord to attract vital new business and industry that is so crucial to our long-term viability. A major benefit of these appointees is their independence from association with long-term political forces within Monroeville that have raised suspicion and allegations of corruption and under-the-table influence for decades.
This is not "Business as Usual" and thus creates a unique opportunity to create a climate of trust and strength that has been sorely lacking.
Mr. Danzilli's legal action can only exacerbate things at a time when it is critical to begin moving forward.
I am not aware of the details of the RDA's internal discord, but any new group needs a period of settling in. I'm so sorry to hear that Mr. Danzilli is stoking the fires of division rather than helping them smooth their troubled waters and begin to do the job they were commissioned to do.
Please, for the sake our our troubled community and its future, let's think PEACE, think PROSPERITY, and think PROGRESS. There is no room for thinking of PERSONAL POWER and perpetuating turmoil.
Mr. Danzilli, I call upon you to be the first to wave an olive branch. Nobody else has the opportunity you face to leave a lasting legacy of peace that will enhance your standing in this community for generations to come. Please call off your dogs and be a hero!
RDA members, please focus on our common welfare and set personal agendas aside. We are counting on you. Our children and grandchildren are counting on you. You have the opportunity to make or break our future.
Let there be peace!
I am confused by this suit and I do hope Mr. Danzilli drops it. Didn't Mr. Danzilli vote to overturn the Mayor's veto and vote for the RDA to be approved by Council? Isn't Mr. Danzilli's attorney the same one who served on the now defunct Monroeville Growth Alliance which recommended the establishment of the RDA? Is anyone else confused?
It is odd that Mr. Danzilli was all ready to approve the RDA at the time he was vacating his seat to MR. Brown and yet he never mentioned in public any desire to serve on the newly appointed Board. Very odd.
Now you want it, now you don't? Make peace, be BIG people and move on! The members of the committe who were appointed have all proven themselves to be dedicated citizens of this community. Let them work out the kinks in the organization and be done with this suit. Who profits from it and who is harmed by it?
Monroeville needs leadership that can look beyond self interest and think of service to the whole community. Monroeville is in danger of becoming another Penn Hills, with unbridled development and lowering real estate values. Step up folks and do the right thing. Drop this suit and get on the page of progress.
Aren't these volunteer positions? The members of RDA have been open to help and input. He can certainly help without the "O"fficial title of RDA czar. Show your a team player and support those donating their time and energy and I will be proud to stand up and support you to the new Mayor when an opening occurs. But please bring something other than an aquaintance with the new Mayor to the table. I know you can do it...help them if you will, they could use the support. Show you are worthy and not bitter.
1
Ok. I see how it is. Danzilli has no merit because he's not on the same cuff as the whiners, he's not entitled to equal rights. If council made those appointments without any applications, interviews or public input the "conspiracy theorists" would drag everyone and their brother to court. The ex Mayor shafted us. Pure and simple. I have a stake in the well being of the business district in Monroeville. When it does good, I do good. We needed the Mayor AND Council to work and appoint the most QUALIFIED for the job. These RDA members do not have the best interests of Monroeville in their hearts. They will fight with everyone because thats what they do.
Mr. Danzilli has equal whining rights, as he is exhibiting right now. Council, I believe, voted to approve those appointments.
The business district, if interested, should have stood up and said "use the free Allegheny County Authority and don't waste the time and money on a local one."
When the business district does well, so do we all, agreed.
These RDA members have kept out ugly, bad, cheap, low class development over the years. Those were their interviews. I DO NOT WANT TO LIVE IN AN UGLY AREA like the airport corridor. Keep the crappy Walmart out of my town. Develop things that are nice, attractive, and profitable for all to bring up our housing values.
Danzilli wanted Walmart, billboards, private housing developments that were done illegally and create dangerous flooding conditinos, anything quick, easy, cheap, underhanded, he did not care one bit. None of that would have improved the business district, none of that would have brought sizable profits, so that was HIS interview and he did not make a great impression.
I suspect, oh Hero, that you either have a faulty memory or wish to muddy the waters on purpose. The council FORCED the RDA on the Mayor and the community in spite of dozens of protests from the community. The public showed up at the council chambers and clearly stated that an RDA in Monroeville was unecessary, a duplication of the Allegheny County RDA and was simply adding another level of government that was not required to be responsive to the electorate. The Council went forward anyway, disregarding the people who elected them...to their peril (just ask Mr. Harvey). Now the developers have found another door to their own ends and are pursuing a frivoulous law suit and expect the public to sit back and accept the outcome. Do your homework, Pennsylvania law permits the Mayor to appoint the memebers of a community Regional Development Authority. Look it up.
Oh dear sir, you are NOT on the side of the working class or the angels here. These people want Monroeville to look like Penn Hills, are seeking quick and short sighted developement for their own gain and do NOT like public scrutiny of their actions. Shame on Mr. Danzelli and who ever is pulling his puppet strings!
I was not in favor of the RDA. I agree that it is and was duplication of government. I am not a Danzilli fan. I just think that if three of the RDA members can drag a councilman into court, Mr. Danzilli has every right to question those appointments in court. Now, since we are "stuck" with the RDA, the least the ex mayor could have done was to appoint people that will not sabotage it. You are upset because your cronies are being threatened and complain when the shoe is on the other foot.
Really
First of all smell the coffee and leave the vodka for the afternoon. The three members of the RDA did not sue a councilman, one person who happens to be on the authority did that and before she knew she would be on the RDA. Even if she did it while on the board it is a separate issue. Sabotage, who are you to talk, if anyone new the prior Mayor, like him or not, you had to say he was fair above all, and if you can not say that you are a liar and your game is revealed.
Please, DDG
I actually combine my coffee with my booze. And I prefer Bourbon. I think you need to recount that "only one" statement.... But you are all into telling it the way you "dreamed it". If you like Lomeo's Kool-Aid, that’s fine. But he's not a saint and all he did was "divide". My point, like it or not is that EVERYONE has the same rights. Isn't funny how he appointed all the five people who with his coaching made the biggest stink? I find it amusing that it's fine that he and they think there's nothing wrong with it. Can you say hypocrite?
That's it you are being a hypocrite, but that aside who is it exactly that you think is on the board that filed the lawsuit against the councilman? What rights are the ones you are referring to if you don't mind? I think you don't like your own playbook being used against you, and in that case then yes you are correct you should have the right to be screwed with like they do.
Please DDG
Hmmm...I think I need to refer you to an earlier post Oh hero mine! Who is pulling Danzelli's strings and who is profiting from same? What Kool Aid do you refer to with Mr. Lomeo as it was the COUNCIL that passed the resolution to appoint an RDA? Go back and do some research you are a confused hero!
Also note: the public did not want the RDA, does not want the RDA and will be voting on this Council's shenanigans in 2009! Wakeup! This back and forth GARBAGE does nothing for Monreoeville except drag it down,
"This back and forth GARBAGE does nothing for Monreoeville except drag it down". At least I know when to shut up. Salad anyone?
Obviously, Monroeville's development has proceeded in a more reckless manner than Penn Hills. They are playing catch-up. Please consider that we named a housing development after the turnpike, we have signs of every size and every color for several miles, and we flood out surrounding communities every time it rains because we have decades of development without storm water retention. Not to mention grid lock every holiday season. That pretty much sums up the view of Monroeville from the outside world. Go, Gators! Are we getting Lacrosse
*
As a member of the new RDA I take great umbrage to some of these comments. First Let me express, I did not in any way oppose the RDA. I wanted it! I think it is needed. Secondly, the previous Mayor is a friend but I must voice my opinion …he put three of the biggest opponents on this board to make it fail. He was against its formation from the start. By appointing these three women he knew they would refuse to work with council, even at his behest. He could not have believed otherwise. They will not in way shape or form work with or for this municipality. They stated that from the very beginning and are putting it in action now. They have violated the sunshine act and are ignoring common practice in government. They are doing exactly what they accuse council of doing on a regular basis. These three are the biggest opponents of any progress in this town and they are on a power trip. I am sorry to say I am along for the ride.
Thirdly, one of them did sue a council member before hand, but rest assured they are a threesome. Again just my opinion but if you look at the whole situation rationally you will see what I see; just because their names are not on the suit does not mean they were not involved. It is the same group week after week, month after month….complaining about their causes.
So, whether Danzilli's suit has merit or not it has been filed. His reasons are his and obviously legal. Which anyone of has a right to do. But if the outcome fixes the problem so we can move forward then why not support it.
Geez where were you when dozens of people were protesting the establishment of the RDA? Did you get to the program too late to know that? Do you catch up on what happens when you are not at a Council meeting? Many, many people were opposed to the RDA and it is not hard to believe that you support it as you were appointed to it. The Mayor was correct in appointing you I take it?
Boy, with friends like you, who needs enemies? If you would write that stuff about your supposed "friend" Mr. Lomeo, it is no wonder you cannot get along with mere acquaintances. My guess is that no matter what group you have to deal with, it is most likley rough going.
That is sad.
This RDA group has to play things out.
About the comment "month after month,...complaining about their causes..." that seems to have been because month after month, council gave lots of people stuff to complain about.
And what Causes? Protecting a neighborhood? Gee, isn't that worth a little work? It makes sense to me. That's one cause I noticed...what are the others? Keeping out ugly billboards and a trashy Walmart? Those were room-packing, community causes.
Since I missed some of that, where were YOU? Did you help with any good cause at all? Because all I have seen is you writing slanderous stuff here.
Where was I???? I was SITTING on the planning Commission and listened to and voted on both of those issues. WHERE WERE YOU???? And as far as the slander you say I write. Slander is not truth …what I write is the truth. I also use my real name. I am not afraid to use it and voice my opinion. So, isn't that anger toward me and making personal accusations slander? Do you really think you have enough info about me to do so? Again I refer to the first question I posed...............where were you??????
If you have enough gumption to make those comments about me then use your real name like I have. My dedication to this community is why my "friend Jim" put me on this board. No one agrees on everything all the time. Friends or not. My suggestion to you is.....pedal faster before you type. By not knowing the facts you seemed to have missed a lot of the truth and reality. Again I say I am entitled to my opinion just like you so please keep personal attacks out of it.
Ms. Sonafelt, it seems that you have really shown what is one problem: you interpreted that last poster as having anger toward you, and making personal attacks.
From where I sit, that post had no anger, just a couple of questions, talked mostly about issues, and pointed out that you yourself had made several personal attacks in the first place.
I don't know how you can become objective and businesslike about all of this, but it seems that you are taking things personally that are not meant that way. Maybe that is the key to related conflicts you apparently (from what you write and say yourself, in the paper,) have with the others.
That's right, you voted FOR Walmart. Enough said there. What are the projects you would like to see the RDA take on Ms. Sonafelt? You state that the others are blocking the success of the RDA..what are your proposals? Let's see what type of public support you can garnish. Move on!
Meet at Taco Bell, Old Stone Church, Hooters, who cares? Just get something on the table and do what you were appointed to do. Leave out the personal garbage, everyone, and pick a property, get some funding, and have at it. Make this place nicer and bring up our property values.
If you are as committed as professional as you say, then overlook all the petty junk and keep your eye on what is best for the community. Being divisive, as this has become, will make us all fall.
Unity will bring growth.
I would just like to say that it is one thing to vent on here as a member of the community, but it is quite another to basically destroy the RDA on which you sit. Regardless of whether you speak the truth or not, you have damaged yourself and the RDA. Please consider the implications of your statements to your team. It will be difficult to accomplish anything if you feel that way about your other team members. Take a step back, detach from the rants of the discussion board and decide how to move the RDA forward. Maybe you need to step down, allow our friend Mr. Danzilli to be appointed and all will be good. But if you need to dish on your team, I suggest you discuss it in person or you have no hope of success. You want the RDA to succeed, don't you? Then I really stress that you are damaging yourself more than anything, but ranting on a message board. Just my opinion.
The RDA was all ready damaged. All Bsonafelt is doing is telling the truth. You can't possibly think that unit will work together and for the better of the community. It is an arm of the Monroeville government like it or not. Just like the Planning Commission and the ZHB. What would you all do if the planning commission or the ZHB decided to do what these people are trying to do? All forms of government have to work together and as a whole. You can't divorce from the ruling branch. That simple.
Any RDA is NOT an arm of government. It is a stand alone, independent, nonprofit.
The ZHB and the other things are arms of government. This is not. Therefore, the RDA is not compelled to do whatever the municipality says, no matter how powerful the municipal officials believe themselves to be. It is a separate entity entirely. Read the law.
If you could get my point. I said that all forms of government have to work together. the P.C. and ZHB are a separate entity to. They are not influenced or have to "listen" to Council. BUT the difference is that they work FOR the COMMUNITY not just the handful of whiners in this town. Just watch the meeting of one or both. It all works TOGETHER. If RDA wants to be *W.A.G., they sould join a knitting group.
* women against government
Seems like the RDA is being destoyed externally and internally. The sad thing it probably will take a year or two before it is truly established enough to even start serving in the capacity that it should. It has taken most of the other RDA's several years before they actually had enough capital and organization to do much of anything. Considering many of these were given truly blighted properties, the silly lawsuits and other childish behavior should be saved until the group is actually established, has a mission, has property to develop, and has some seed money. Let them get organized for crying out loud. They need to meet to discuss organization and adminstrative approaches, I believe at the first meeting an attorney and even Ms. Sonafelt indicated they could meet in small groups for adminstrative purposes without violating the sunshine act. Let's move on. I am looking forward to see what they can do for Monroeville, as I do believe these ladies will be able to raise money from a number of places once they are organized.
Hmmm, sounds like strong , INDEPENDENT women make you nervous Mr. Hero. These three women were not working against government but FOR their community, of which, I presume you are a member. One worked for the safety of her neighborhood in face of unregulated development. Another fought the establishment of a Walmart in a town that doesn't need another chain store which cares little about the neighborhood where it is established and the other has worked tirelessly to help rewrite the code of Monroeville, fight the blight of billboards and be a constructve and creative watchdog of goverenment. Monroeville is lucky to have them and they are are truly "Citizens of the Year" who have done far more for this community than many, including those who sit on the Council.
I am not threatened at all by your claims. But I'll touch on two things. The one that worked against the community as you call it "unregulated" development bought a house with those buildings in her back yard. Did she think they would be empty forever? All she did was cost Monroeville about 1.2 million in tax abatements because they were forced to build a road.
The second one who fought against Wallmart was so off base she made no sense. The council meeting where she showed pictures of blighted Braddock in which she blamed on Wallmart in N.Vers. Give me a break.
Council sneezes and they do more for this community, don't kid yourself. the RDA will NEVER get out of the box because of these 'citizens of the year"
Constructive? I think you mean Destructive.
Monroeville chose to pay the 1.2 million, it didn't have to if they required proper development in the first place. Wally mart was in a bad location that would have caused a traffic nightmare in Pitcairn, why not pay the piper and build in the business district like everyone else. Council sneezing just puts great gobs of green goo all over the place. Although I appreciate your service. I would appreciate it more if you listened to the community or at least give an explanation for decisions rather than a "no comment or you'll see". That is all we ask.
Go back on post, I wanna join the He-Man-Woman-Haters-Club! Where's your tree house? Is there a secret password? Can I ride my go-cart to get there? Want me to bring some graham crackers and milk?
I love women. I treat them with respect. All you are is a man in a pant suit with a BAD ATTITUDE.
Hey, as long as you don't have any major hang-ups, or hate for those not as tough as you think you are, seems like you are good to go.
Heaven forbid the community be SAFE! Why did we have to give them tax abatements? The state is paying for the road, which the sneezing council should have foreseen as necesary; so why the tax abatements? Did you really think they were going to go elsewhere? Most corporations of any repute WANT to have a good relationship with the community in which they are located. They really do not want to have children in danger in their back yard and I would count Bechtel in that company. What is the dynamic here in Monroeville that allows these companies and developers to believe that this Council will bend any which way to make concessions for them?
My vote on the Wal-Mart issue was based on fact not on emotion. The job of a planning commissioner or any other public official in making a decision is not to use emotion, but the merits of the case, Wal-Mart met all of our rules and regs. Therefore I voted yes. What my opinion is on Wal-Mart had no bearing on my vote. As for future projects, there is a lot I would like to see done to help this community. But none of them have to do with "so called projects" We need to encourage businesses to WANT to do business here again. Not to chase them away with antiquated laws and taxes. Once we become a viable business area again all other things in the community will fall in place, housing, schools etc. There is a lot than can be done and I hope I get the chance to do so.
If you have ideas please tell me I am here to listen and discuss all ideas from everyone this is OUR town, not mine nor yours. Be constructive. Help me fix this!
RDA
Yes, an RDA is a separate entity of the local government not like the ZHB or PC, but its main goal is to work with and for that local government. If we can not work together then we get nothing done. The Board was damaged immediately by the majority of the board charactering itself as an enemy of council. If this RDA is to succeed it must function with other entities of our government and the citizens. However that thought processes is not the prevailing theme with the other three members. They will and have used this board to show their disdain for the council. That is a personal feeling not the best attitude.
And remember there are five members. I am part of the minority and I am not alone. As for the problems we have let me set the record straight. We as a board voted on a venue, that vote was rescinded by personal choice of three members of the RDA Board after that public meeting and in private. Regardless of the issue that common fact is the most important. That means that anything we vote can be overturned by a decision made out of public view. It is not a venue issue. It is ethical issue. I do not really care where the meetings are held. I am concerned about the legalities involving the functions of this board. If that action of your government is acceptable to you then there is a bigger problem than what is being perceived as a venue issue.
Lastly I am sorry if the statements I made are considered by some to be personal attacks. They are not! I have not questioned nor have I made any derogatory comments like what is being made about me here in handling my personal and business relationships and my attitude towards other people. I have tried to point out the truth in others actions not by disparaging their personal attitudes or decisions. Again I ask step up and help. Sit on a board do not post on a board. There are plenty of vacancies. Be constructive. Hopefully this will all work out in the end and we can begin the process of establishing an RDA that will help this community not cause more division.
The goal of the RDA is to redevelop, not to hold hands with a council that has not listened to the voters. If the council smartens up and listens to voters, then it would seem best to hold hands and redevelop. Their previous and complete disregard re: billboards was not right. So why should anyone, including you, trust them now? Why meet in their house when it's not been a welcoming nor open place?
The problem with tax structure is more governmental, I would think, than RDA.
So seems like 2 different responsibilities by 2 separate bodies. My opinion.
I agree with your points. However doesn't it make sense, since council has final approval on all redevelopment, to work with them? Regardless of your feelings toward members of council it is our governing body. They are not on there for life. Actually some of our terms are longer than theirs and we can not be removed as easily as them. (Elections). So my theory is to work with them. And why not use the facilities that OUR tax dollars built for that purpose. The body makes the impression not the building. And as for trust I totally agree with that issue, so we should be building trust with the business community and the citizens. How we function should not be a replica of council. That is what the minority of this board is working for. No more impressions of "back room deals", "private meetings" or "private decisions" No more disregard for the citizens and their views. Again the venue does not decide that the actions of the members do.
An RDA does more than "develop" it that sense. We can do so much more than tear down and rebuild than you realize. But, if we do not encourage some governmental changes like taxes and business incentives, than we will be trying to play catch up for a longer period of time. And we are already behind. Changes like "redevelopment" take time and money. Council is already listening to us and the businesses. That is a step in the right direction in that they are evaluating our tax structure. Now if something comes of it HOORAY! But we must encourage them to do so and help push through those changes.
I give you credit in telling it like is is. It's too bad no one on this board sees the RDA for what it is. You keep doing what your doing.
Your reality is a little twisted. The fact is you have been on the inside working against the RDA members with the likes of Bond and Dice, either that or you are some physic and should play the lotto and not the poor folks of Monroeville and on this thread. It is true that three of the biggest opponents of the board where placed on it but that was done out of a stroke of genius to keep the board pure to the power it can yield. You on the other hand would take the power and whore it out to the highest bidder and that is by the evidence of where your loyalties lie now and it's not with your fellow members of the board. What a shame for you to slander your fellow members one who worked to keep her neighborhood safe from a massive traffic influx which was never meant for Jamison lane and the other who worked to keep Wal-Mart from running over all the little mom and pop shops not only in the area but in Pitcairn also. These two women spend countless hours and aggravation for no compensation, what were you promised Judas for your loyalty to Bond and Dice. I can bet you one thing, that if theses girls stay on you will most likely also stay on the board, but you are to ignorant to even see as soon as they are removed you will be out also on your ear because the team you are working with has no reason to keep you around. You should be ashamed of yourself you are the very reason good people don't want to get into government because they are treated and ridiculed just like this by the worthless likes of you.
DDG
Well said DDG! The sad thing is BSonafelt doesn't even know she is being played. She forgets how they treated her family and thinks she has an IN with the Boys Club..sorry dearie not going to happen.
Let’s see all in one paragraph, I have been called a whore, arrogant, ignorant and twisted, although not in that order. And I should also be ashamed of myself. Because of me people like you do not step up to the plate and help. Hmm? Lets think about that statement for a moment shall we?
You also called me physic. If I would have known I was going to be named in a lawsuit, I would not have accepted the appointment. If I would have known that this whole sequence of events would unfolded this way I would have run the other way. If I had known I would been put down like this I would have not be involved in anything. Wow I wish I was psychic I like that scenario better.
You also claim that you know more about these things than I do. Unless I am wrong is your name on the lawsuit recently filed? Is there something you should reveal to this board to prove your information source is the only true and correct one? Other then your journalist prowess of being rude and ignorant to people what else you are good at? OOPS I better watch what I write… I may be accused of slander or even being nasty and not being able to get along with the other kids.
As for the "the boys club" and me being too stupid to see it .... I am suppose to be an ally for whom? Again another who knows my reasons better than I do. Nothing could be further from the truth and I think "they" (whoever “they” are) would disagree with you. (Gee you people really have to bring up to speed on this conspiracy thing. I am way behind!)
This time however someone feels close enough to mention my family. With the witch hunts this group holds on this board I am surprised it took you this long to get that low. If you feel you need to make additional personal comments and discuss your rumors about my family than I suggest you contact me personally ASAP. bsonafelt@comcast.net is my email. Please let me in on your little secret.
If there is another comment about my family on this board I will ask the paper for your real name so we can discuss your postings. I do not surmise nor speculate on personal beliefs or attitudes. I have never assumed I know anyone else’s thought process or the decisions they make. Nor have I been malicious and rude by calling someone names as vile as the ones I have been called. Most of all I have never made mention of anyone’s family.
I have been truthful in my posts involving the information of events I am involved in and the actions toward me and what I have witnessed from others. I am done with this ridiculous group and the garbage of personal attacks. I will not be posting again.
I recall you going in front of the council regarding the treatment of your family and that is what I was referring to; if I have you confused with someone else, I sincerely beg your pardon and I apologize. Frankly I wish the RDA and Monroville could just move forward. Meanwhile I did NOT intend to attack your family and I do appreciate that you could not have known the outcome of saying yes to serve.