Coventry appoints RDA member as residents and council raise concerns about solicitor and ARPA money

The Coventry Town Council appointed Nathan Chatterley to the Coventry Redevelopment Agency (RDA) after candidates introduced themselves and answered questions about redevelopment priorities and legal issues.

Ryan O'Brien, who applied but did not attend for all questions, said he's lived in Coventry since 2016 and urged the RDA to prioritize environmental protection and broad public access to Johnson's Pond. "We really need to make sure we focus on keeping the pond clean...and public access," O'Brien said.

Nathan Chatterley, a lifelong Coventry resident who described himself as a real-estate broker and house-builder, said he would bring local knowledge and a willingness to listen: "By ... showing up and being willing to sit here and listen to the opinions...and giving my personal expertise with the real estate end of it," he said.

The public comment period and several council members also raised concerns about the RDA's solicitor and the use of ARPA funds. Scott Guthrie urged the council to investigate, alleging that RDA arrangements were creating opportunities for improper gain and said he would report suspected misuse of ARPA funds to relevant authorities if the town did not act. "If the town council is not gonna go after this guy...I will personally do it myself," Guthrie said.

Council members took the appointment by motion and roll-call vote; the motion to appoint Chatterley passed unanimously. Council also discussed next steps for oversight and noted the need for fiscal notes and additional review for other RDA-related resolutions.

The RDA appointment and the concerns about legal counsel and ARPA oversight are expected to be part of upcoming committee reviews and may prompt administrative follow-up or formal inquiries.