Greece board approves transfer of Island Cottage property after heated public forum

The Greece Town Board voted 3–2 on Nov. 20 to authorize the transfer of 20.16 acres located at 354 Island Cottage Road to MUN Pro, Inc., moving forward with a property conveyance residents warned could spread contamination.

Residents concentrated their public forum remarks on item three, which was later moved and approved. Brendan Bolson told the board the issue “is insidious” and urged a six‑month program of ‘‘thorough testing before any new moves are made.’’ Casey Bolson said he had repeatedly warned the town and asked the board to ‘‘vote no on the property transfer’’ to avoid negligently exposing seniors and schoolchildren. Joe Cameo, a former hazardous‑materials team leader, warned soil disturbance could make contaminants airborne and endanger residents and workers.

Board members debated the motion after taking public comment. The clerk called the motion to transfer the Island Cottage parcel to MUN Pro, Inc.; the measure passed 3–2. The record notes resident objections and a request by some board members for additional discussion before voting.

The record shows residents cited prior soil testing and visits by a state environmental team (referred to in the meeting record as “DEEC”), and speakers repeatedly asked the board to delay transfer until further testing and remediation assurances are in hand. The board did not record conditions in the motion requiring additional environmental testing or remediation before conveyance.

Because the board’s roll call for the item recorded only a tally (3–2) and not an individual roll‑call vote in the public record, the article reports the outcome as recorded. The board proceeded to other business after the vote.

The next procedural step identified in the meeting was an executive session later that evening related to personnel; no follow‑up requirement tied to the Island Cottage transfer was recorded in the minutes provided.