Sale of Former Courthouse Unanimously Approved by Worcester City Council

Wednesday, April 08, 2015

GoLocal Worcester News Team

Mayor Joe Petty

Although the City of Worcester has reached an agreement to sell the former Worcester County Courthouse for $1.2 million to New Hampshire-based Brady Sullivan Properties, LLC, the purchase has been held up by local labor unions and members of the Worcester City Council.

At Tuesday's City Council meeting, the City Council voted unanimously to approve the sale of the courthouse to Brady Sullivan.

Brady Sullivan has proposed 115 high class residential apartments and a 3,000 square foot retail space to occupy the old courthouse.

The deal, which was announced by City Manager Ed Augustus on March 19, was being held up by labor unions because the unions are stressing that Brady Sullivan hire local workers to help with the renovation of the courthouse. As part of its deal with the city, Brady Sullivan did agree to try to hire 50 percent of its workers from local construction labor force.

Mayor Joe Petty voted in favor of the sale and urged members of the city council to do the same. Petty also encouraged the sale to move forward with the redevelopment and revitilization of downtown Worcester.

"This is a very important project for downtown Worcester and the north end of Main Street," said Petty. "It's important that we ensure that people in this community reap some of the benefits."

Unions Have Trouble Trusting Brady Sullivan

Leo Miller, Business Manager of Local 96 International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and Vice President of the Worcester-Fitchburg Building Trades Council, spoke at the Council meeting. Miller said, "We want to call upon the construction component of this economic development initiative and the concerns that we have for the current and past failures of Brady Sullivan to responsibly parent the construction piece which plays such a critical role in ensuring safe, code compliant homes."

Miller listed incidents of code violations by Brady Sullivan, including one instance in Worcester where the company misclassifed employees as independent contractors and were issued three stop-work orders from the Mass. Dept of Public Accidents.

"One would reasonably expect that the contracting approach be addressed going forward, but unfortunately the practices are still alive and clearly in place here in Worcester," said Miller. "Sadly, code inspections, five figure fines and legal actions are still not deterrents for irresponsible contracting. We respectfully ask that you reconsider the sale at hand."

Lukes Voices Displeasure Over Courthouse Debate

City Councilor Konnie Lukes

"This was not a routine item. I think this gave a black eye to the city, this whole process," said City Councilor Konnie Lukes addressing the council and labor union presidents. "It's telling developers that unless you comply to mandates that are illegal - like 50% work forces subject to strict compliance. That's illegal. And you all know that's illegal. Apprenticeship programs being mandated are illegal and you all know that's illegal. When we talk about collaboration, are we really talking about placing obstacles in the way of future development?"

Lukes vehemently told speakers at the council meeting that cooperation cannot exist by coming to the City Council meeting and "discrediting a developer." Lukes also expressed displeasure of the debate over the courthouse and the hurdle and problems it only created.

"I didn't hear respect for the developer (Brady Sullivan) who has a strong track record, is a successful developer, and is willing to assume the burden of developing the courthouse," said Lukes. "The best part of the whole situation is that the public did get involved. Today that it was routine doesn't come close to describing the way this was conducted. I am concerned that we are sending the wrong message out."

Lukes added, "I look forward to this project. I don't look forward to any future combat or any future clashes. I would like to see collaboration and I would like to see this city progress."

City Council Ready to Move Forward

City Councilor Rick Rushton, who has been at the center of the courthouse development debate, said, "This process has not been hijacked by anything but the necessary public input. This proposal was never really ever in danger of not being approved. We had two specific ideas on the table: to get as many local people on the job, and make sure the developer provides a safe workplace. What came out of it was not perfect for everyone, but considering that there were not any specific city monies involved, our leverage was minimal."

According to Rushton, over the last two weeks, the portion of the deal that Brady Sullivan agreed to hire 50 percent local labor has changed and now states that Brady Sullivan agreed that local contractors will make up 50% of the total construction costs will go toward Worcester's economy.

"I don't think there's any question as a result of this moving forward, what we'll see is it will be a catalyst for other developments in the area," said City Councilor Phil Palmieri.

"This is a critical project for the North End of Main Street. I believe that this project will be highly successful because it's an iconic building, it's in a great location, and it speaks to the continued progress that is happening on a daily basis here in the city of Worcester," said Rushton.

Brady Sullivan estimates the renovation to take 12 to 18 months.