By Amanda Pinto, Register Staff
apinto@newhavenregister.com

WEST HAVEN — State Attorney General Richard Blumenthal asked the West Haven Historical Society to “cease any effort to sell” the Campbell monument site because such a sale would violate state law.

If the property is no longer used as a memorial or gravesite, it would be his duty to make sure the land goes back to the city, in compliance with the deed for the site, Blumenthal wrote in a letter to the society.

“I think they found exactly what we’ve been saying all along,” said state Rep. Louis Esposito, D-West Haven, who alerted Blumenthal’s office to the issue. “The historical society is not legally able to sell that piece of property and I hope this puts it to bed once and for all.”

Vincent Amendola Jr., attorney for the historical society, said the property would not be sold until all legal issues had been resolved.

According to a copy of the deed for the land, the West Haven Historical Society must “use and maintain the parcels of land as the gravesite and monument” to British Adjutant William Campbell and failure to do so would result in the title’s transfer to the city.

Amendola met with Mayor John M. Picard and City Attorney Peter Barrett Wednesday, and told them no sale would be completed without discussion with the city. He relayed that information to Blumenthal’s office before he received the letter Thursday, Amendola said.

“The historical society does not intend to act in any way that would be in contravention of any law, nor would I as their attorney ever give such advice,” he said.

Amendola said he was looking into whether there is an interpretation of the law that would allow the sale of the property; he said it is a complex legal issue that requires much research.

Society President Carole Laydon McElrath has said the society must sell the land because it is short on funds. After the sale, the society would relocate the monument, McElrath has said.

Many people have expressed shock and anger that the society would consider selling a property that bears a dedication to Campbell, who is believed to be the only British combatant honored with a street and a monument in the town he invaded. Campbell, an aide to a British general who invaded New Haven in 1779, is believed to have spared the life of the Rev. Noah Williston of the First Congregational Church, before being fatally shot hours later. Continued...

• 1
• 2
• See Full Story

Mayor John M. Picard said he was confident, based on the conversation with Amendola, that an injunction would not be necessary. Barrett had said Tuesday the city was considering an injunction to prevent the sale.

“I think we’re all in agreement with the attorney general that we don’t want this property sold,” Picard said Thursday.

Call Amanda Pinto at 203-789-5734.

• 1
• 2
• See Full Story

• 1
• 2
• 3
• See Full Story

• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• See Full Story

• Return to Paging Mode