BRUNSWICK

The Brunswick Town Council tabled a vote on the fate of tax-acquired property at 946 Mere Point Road after a protracted discussion, but not before public commentary, threats of litigation and a fictitious stepson were discussed.

The packed chamber was addressed by Town Manager John Eldridge, who began by reviewing the history of the property, beginning with the death of property owner Howard Nudd in 2001 and his wife, Alma, in 2004.

The property was handed down to the couple’s son, Richard Nudd.

In 2009, Nudd received notice that the town had placed a lien on the property for failure to pay taxes. In a letter to Eldridge, Nudd claimed to have gone through some hard times and was unable to pay the taxes. The town began foreclosure proceedings in 2011.

Nudd later offered to pay the town $500 a month to pay off his debt. The offer was rejected.

The story took a more bizarre twist after that.

Eldridge said the town had been contacted between 2012 and 2014 by a man Eldridge simply called Mr. Godfrey, who claimed to be the stepson of Nudd.

Eldridge said there were a few conversations about Godfrey paying the back taxes on the property, or at least a partial amount of the total due.

There was a catch — Godfrey wanted the deed transferred to him, not Nudd.

Eldridge said this was not how the town did business.

Eldridge said it was later discovered that Godfrey wasn’t Nudd’s stepson, but a friend.

Following Eldridge’s summary, attorney Andre Duchette spoke on behalf of the absent Nudd, but stated, “Mr. Nudd is not my client.”

Holding a check he said covered the $64,875 owed in back taxes, Duchette told the council that the property should be turned back over to Nudd.

Questioning Duchette, Council Chairwoman Sarah Brayman said the council was under the impression Duchette was indeed the legal representative for Nudd.

This drew the attention of Councilor Steve Walker, who questioned why Nudd could not make it to the meeting and asked Duchette how he came up with more than $64,000.

“Mr. Nudd has a piece of property worth $250,000, and if he can pony up $64,000 with a check that’s in your hand, it’s puzzling to me why he couldn’t schedule a night off from work to address this council. So it makes me wonder if he’s been between jobs and lost so much property — it’s been economically hard for the poor guy. How’d he come up with $64,000 that quickly?” Walker said.

Walker asked if this was indeed Nudd’s money or a loan.

Duchette again alluded to difficulties in Nudd’s life, saying Nudd “is not a wealthy man” and that he plans on selling the property should he get it back.

“So, if I’m reading between the lines, the $64,000 is not his, but whoever he is trying to sell the property to is fronting that money?” Walker asked. Duchette concurred.

When further pressed as to who is bankrolling the back taxes plus Duchette’s services, Duchette responded that it’s no secret that the Mere Point property has become a hot button topic, and therefore the buyer does not want their identity disclosed.

Councilor Kathy Wilson, in light of the fake stepson claim, said the whole matter seemed “fishy” to her.

Walker again pressed Duchette as to who was actually paying him for his services, asking him if he didn’t professionally have to divulge such information.

“No, I do not — and I will not,” Duchette responded.

Asked if he was representing the buyer, Duchette paused and said “yes.”

“I’ve been called unethical in the paper and I think this is an unethical bait and switch in my opinion and I’m wondering why your client wouldn’t just buy the property if this town decides to sell it for $250,000,” Walker asked Duchette.

Duchette said he would relay any offers from the town to Nudd or the potential buyer.

“I just don’t think this is the way to go about it. I don’t think you’re honest at all,” Walker said.

Residents reactions

Brunswick resident Natasha Goldman warned against giving the property back to a private entity and setting a bad precedent. Goldman said it was “ethical” that the town provide public access to the shore.

Attorney Rebecca Klotzle spoke to the council on behalf of several of the Mere Point residents, hinting at costly litigation should the town seek a public option for the parcel.

Klotzle recommended giving the property back to Nudd — an option she called the “path of least resistance” for the town, warning any movement to create public access at the property will be “pitted with potential land mines.”

Brunswick resident Coleen McKenna told the council that because so much coastal property is privately owned, many no longer consider the town as being coastal because their access to the water is blocked.

McKenna said there has been a lot of discussion about building a public park in the neighborhood — reminding those present that all Brunswick shoreline is in a residential area.

“And what is so bad about the public? Why is everybody so compelled to keep us out? Why — why are we so bad — why is it so awful to have a small, neighborhood park in your neighborhood?” McKenna said.

The future of 946 Mere Point Road will be decided at the next town council meeting on Sept. 19, where, Brayman said, there will be no further findings presented or public input.

dmcintire@timesrecord.com