NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The Airport Commission will sit down with city representatives and airport users to discuss an alleged conflict of interest on the commission.

 

Attorney Leonard Cohen, of Cohen Kinne Valicenti & Cook of Pittsfield, attended the commission's Tuesday meeting representing airport users Michael Milazzo, Brian Doyle and Bruce Goff and requested the meeting. 

 

"I am not here for the purpose of fighting World War III and ... I would rather handle this situation working with you than against you," Cohen said. "I am here to meet with you and to come with an open mind and hear what it is you have to say."

 

The allegation arose a few months ago during discussions about the city's purchase of the building known as the Shamrock Hangar. Milazzo said he was concerned over Commissioner Trever Gilman voting on the purchase because he is affiliated with Teamflys — a company that rents space in the hangar.

 

Gilman said he has no financial holding in the company and he would also recuse himself from any vote to lease out space in the hangar.

 

At a later meeting, he rescinded his vote to recommend to the city purchase the hangar to appease the concerned users.

 

Cohen said he felt a conflict may exist just because Gilman felt the need to recuse himself and he reached out to City Solicitor John DeRosa.

 

"We had a telephone conversation about this calling to his attention the fact that perhaps it would be in the best interest of everyone if we were to sit down and talk about this," Cohen said.  

 

He said he had no further contact with DeRosa and the commission has received no communications from solicitor, including the original letter Cohen sent to DeRosa on July 12 that outlined his clients' concerns.

 

Chairman Jeffrey Naughton said he had no problem having a meeting and asked Cohen to reach out to him when he has a date in mind.

 

"We would be more than happy to sit down with you and your clients and address this," he said. 

 

Because the airport's engineer was unable to attend the commission meeting and provide a project update, the meeting was opened for public comment.

 

A Chenaille Terrace resident asked the commissioners if they had any safety concerns about the proposed bike trail running near the airport. 

 

Gilman said they were approached several years ago with the plans for the Mohawk Bike Trail and that they had asked the planners to account for Federal Aviation Administration clearances, airport property and areas for future development.

 

Naughton said that was the last they heard from them.

 

"I haven't heard anything about it since then so I don't really know how to respond to you," he said. "I am not sure what the status of the project is and where it involves the airport property." 

 

He added that bike trail safety is not under the commission's purview.