German Calls Out Blake Over Land Sale

Milford alderman and Republican candidate for mayor Dan German is blasting his opponent, incumbent mayor Benjamin Blake, for failing to complete the sale of a parcel of land on Myers Lane near Welchs Point Park.

German said he found out about the delay at the Oct. 7 Board of Aldermen meeting.

“On Monday night, it came to the attention of the Board of Aldermen that despite the board’s approval three years ago, of the city’s sale of a tiny parcel of land that adjoined a citizen’s land, Mayor Ben Blake has refused to sign the necessary documents to complete the sale. This is a dereliction of his duties under the Charter,” German said in a press release.

He accused Blake and fellow Democrats on the board of shutting down any discussion when Republican aldermen tried to raise the issue at the meeting.

“The board approved this sale nearly three years ago. A citizen expended significant sums in reliance on the city’s representations. Our tax assessor spent time, and taxpayer’s money, valuing the land to be sold. Now, because of the mayor’s refusal to carry out the board’s authorization, the city is facing a lawsuit,” German said. “The Mayor abdicated his duty.”

German said Blake’s actions constituted a pattern, citing other recent failed or disputed property transactions, including the Coast Guard Flotilla’s grant, the North Street development and Eli’s patio denial.

“This has to stop. I call on the mayor to sign the necessary documents as authorized by the Board of Aldermen and relieve the city of the burden of the threatened litigation,” German said.