Resident alleges illegal sale of East End Village parcel; commissioners say they will review

James Giuliani, identifying himself as a West Virginia resident, told the Montague County Commission during public comment that 142 Richwood Avenue — a parcel he said was part of the East End Village development — "was illegally sold" in June 2024 and that required releases were not obtained from him as a lienholder. "As of June 2024, it was illegally sold without proper releases for me," Giuliani said, and added that he holds a deed of trust requiring his approval for releases.

Giuliani alleged the parcel was exchanged for 600 Allen Avenue without contracts, appraisals or public notice, and said documents had been "falsified, in my opinion." He named entities he said were involved, including CMC and the Mon County Development Authority, and accused private parties of being enriched by the transaction. Giuliani told commissioners the sale compromised relationships with West Virginia University and other project partners and said the parcel is "valued over $27,000,000." He asked the commission to have the parcel reviewed and "looked at as a foreclosure, as a breach," while leaving the rest of the development in place.

Commissioners did not take formal action on Giuliani's request during the meeting. The presiding officer acknowledged the complexity of the project, said a development authority committee had been appointed to address the East End project and pledged to ensure Giuliani's concerns are addressed, saying, "I won't stand for anything that's done illegally. So, I will certainly make sure that your concerns are addressed." No vote or directive to initiate litigation or to undo any transfer was recorded in the minutes.

What happens next: Commissioners said the development authority's committee will continue to examine transaction details; the record on whether the county will open a formal investigation or take legal steps was not specified in the meeting.