Following article is from the Pocono Record for Monday, 7-26-10.
Mattiolis promise $500K to save Dansbury Depot
By Beth Brelje
Pocono Record Writer
July 26, 2010
Drs. Joseph Mattioli and Rose Mattioli pledged $500,000 on Sunday to save the historic Dansbury Depot train station from demolition and expressed an interest in buying it.
But developer Troy Nauman says he still intends to raze the building and go ahead with his proposed project.
The Mattiolis' dramatic, impromptu announcement was made from their car at the depot curbside Sunday as a preservation press conference and rally was wrapping up.
The Mattiolis, owners of the Pocono Raceway, decided to drive past and see the building's condition firsthand.
Joseph Mattioli leaned out of his car and assessed the damage.
"I expected to see a big wreck. It's just 20 percent gone. You can refurbish it," Mattioli said. "I'd donate half a million to save it if (the developer) would do it."
Mattioli called the depot the heart of East Stroudsburg and said he instructed his attorney to talk with the owner about buying it. Price is a consideration. "I'm not going to get taken," Mattioli said.
Backing from the Mattiolis, however, may not be enough to stop the demolition.
"(The group Save Dansbury Depot) missed the deadline. The building is no longer for sale. I will definitely talk to Dr. Mattioli," Nauman said. "It's a great gesture. I would love to explore other alternatives with him."
Mattioli seemed to be considering his options on the spot. If he is able to buy the Civil War-era depot, one move would be to donate it to East Stroudsburg, he said.
"To tear it down would be a shame. See that ironwork there? It's priceless," said Mattioli, pointing to the ornate sidewalk canopy supports.
The crowd of about 40 preservationists listened intently as Mattioli was interviewed by local media about his intention to back preservation of the 1864 depot. When he was finished, the crowd cheered. Some preservationists burst into tears and cried, "Bless you," as the Mattiolis smiled and drove away. He then drove around the block and stopped for a second look at the depot.
The train station was converted to a restaurant in the 1980s and retained its railroad charm until it was damaged by fire last October. It has sat uncovered and in disrepair since.
Restaurant owner Pete Andrews agreed to sell the damaged depot to developer Troy Nauman, who planned to raze it and build a three- or four-story, mixed-use building in its place. The sale price has not been disclosed and is not yet a public record.
"I'm the equitable owner. I own it by contract and can go to closing anytime I want," Nauman said.
When word of the demolition became public, a group or citizens banded together under the name Save Dansbury Depot.
Nauman gave the group a week to produce a buyer with a sizable down payment. As time ticked out on that offer Friday, Teri VanBritsom of Effort got a temporary injunction to delay the destruction.
She must post $50,000 cash for the injunction at the courthouse by Tuesday. VanBritsom has the money and although she will not say where the money came from, it is not from the Save Dansbury Depot group. VanBritsom said she will be in the courthouse today, possibly filing more paperwork regarding the depot.
The injunction claims that the building may still be evidence from the fire and that the building may have asbestos, which could harm the welfare of the community if not properly handled.
Nauman says the fire marshal signed off on the fire and cleared the owner. Andrews was paid by the insurance company, Nauman said. The depot was gutted in 1978 and 1979 for renovation.
"There is no asbestos in the building," Nauman said. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection confirmed that.
"The approach this woman (VanBritsom) has taken, I don't want to sell it. I really want to do the project. I'm going to move forward with the original plan," Nauman said.