In an audacious and astonishing move, Marotta group representative Maurizio Rogato gave written notice to Town Council on June 25 of intention to demolish the residential buildings on both 200 John and 588 Charlotte Streets, along with sheds and a pool on 588 Charlotte and an “accessory structure” on 200 John. (See letter below)
Just two weeks prior to that, on June 11, Council had voted almost unanimously to proceed with designation of the buildings and structures, including the renowned Dunington-Grubb designed landscape, on all four remaining properties in the Rand Estate, including 200 John and 588 Charlotte, over the objections of Benny Marotta and his representatives.
Rather than acquiesce to the wishes of our elected Council and the Town’s expert Municipal Heritage Committee that the entire Estate be designated under the Heritage Act prior to any further consideration of the Marotta group’s ill-conceived and entirely inappropriate hotel/conference/wedding facility application (with a high density subdivision application to follow), Benny Marotta has now shown his true colours.
Based on his track record elsewhere in the province (see Benny Marotta Media Archive tab on this SORE website), it was always our concern that the same pattern would repeat itself in NOTL. Benny Marotta has now confirmed our worst fears. In spite of his and Mr. Rogato’s performances in front of and private letters to Council, the true intentions of the Marotta group have been revealed.
Well Mr. Marotta, now we know what we are dealing with. We hope Council gets the message.
Two Sisters letter about demolition at Rand Estate\