Diana Stricker Photo
Fred Russo, who headed the Stop Public Works at Tabor movement, was unanimously appointed by the Board of Selectman (BOS) Wednesday to serve as an alternate on the Planning and Zoning Commission.
Russo frequently attended BOS meetings last year and was an outspoken critic of plans to build the new public works facility on a portion of the town-owned Tabor Drive property. He headed the Stop Tabor movement, which he claimed included 600 people, some of whom wished to remain anonymous. Click here to read more about the issues.
The BOS voted 2 – 1 in favor of the Tabor site in November 2012, with the no-vote cast by James Cosgrove, the Republican third selectman at that time. When Cosgrove took office as first selectman in November 2013, one of his first actions was to rescind that motion.
In January, Cosgrove asked the Board of Finance for $7,500 to hire consultants to continue the search for possible sites. Following last night’s meeting, the Eagle asked Cosgrove if he is any closer to finding a location for public works.
“I’m working on it,” Cosgrove said, adding that no consultants have been hired yet. He said he is waiting for more information on some possible locations, but said “there’s so many outside factors.” He did not elaborate.
The public works department has been in a rental facility since its building was torn down in 2011 to make room for the new fire headquarters on North Main Street. A Public Works Building Committee, convened by former First Selectman Anthony “Unk” DaRos, spent nearly three years searching for sites before it was disbanded last year.
Russo’s Background
Russo’s appointment was originally on the Feb. 19 agenda, but Democratic Third Selectman Bruce Storm asked to delay the vote because he had not seen Russo’s resume or had a chance to confer with him.
“I don’t intend to stand in the way of this appointment,” Storm said last night before the vote was taken.
Storm suggested it would facilitate appointments if nominees for committees and commissions were announced ahead of time, along with their resumes. Storm, the sole Democrat on the board, said that would give all three selectmen an opportunity to familiarize themselves with the candidates. “Look at appointments in advance when possible,” he said. “It’s good for transparency.”
No action was taken on his suggestion.
File Photo
Russo, (pictured), who did not attend last night’s meeting, will fill the alternate’s seat that was vacated when John B. Lust was elevated to full member status at the Feb. 19 meeting. Lust, an engineer, fills the vacancy created by the retirement of long-time Planning and Zoning (P&Z) member Phil Fischer. The P&Z is comprised of five full members and three alternates, all serving five-year terms.
Russo retired in January 2013 as president of Russo Roofing Inc. and FJR Realty in Hamden. According to his resume, he spent 40 years in the roofing, contracting and construction business; and also purchased and rehabilitated more than 20 commercial and residential properties.
He cited his work experience, his knowledge of planning and zoning issues, and his skills as a “natural leader.” He has a Bachelor’s degree from Quinnipiac University, a Master’s degree in elementary education from Southern Connecticut State University, and taught science three years in the New Haven school district.
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