Residents press council on vacant village land and allege misconduct at public comment

Three residents used the council’s public-comment period on March 1 to press the Village of Glendale on separate issues: one urged the village to engage on sale or redevelopment of a long-vacant parcel, and another raised allegations about contract irregularities, executive sessions and racial incidents.

Glenn Parish, identifying himself as a resident at 100 Washington Avenue, told council he has pursued acquisition of village-owned property that he said has sat vacant for 13 years and urged the village to be proactive in encouraging economic growth rather than relying on repeated tax levies. He said he had initiated civil correspondence and received little response and asked council to engage with him about a possible offer.

Kevin Parrish (identified himself during public comment) addressed the council with broader allegations, naming the mayor and past administrators and alleging collaboration with contractors tied to the Phase 1 sanitary sewer project. He said the mayor had twice taken executive session without proper agenda notice and criticized the council for not correcting minutes that, he said, failed to reflect those sessions. He also alleged the village had not publicly addressed two incidents at public facilities he described as racially charged and called for council accountability; he said he will continue to raise these concerns publicly.

Mayor responded later in the meeting, defending council members and saying that one referenced former council member (Nancy Maseko) did not run for re-election and was not mysteriously absent. The mayor said council does not tolerate racism and characterized some public accusations as unfounded.

Council did not take formal action on either public-comment request during the meeting; the matters raised—an offer for village property and allegations about executive sessions and contractor conduct—may prompt follow-up through administration or committee channels.