July 5, 2007

AZUREGREEN WINS AGAIN IN COURT

Middlefield, MA   The Appeals Court of Massachusetts issued a decision on June 27, 2007 in favor of AzureGreen owners Tamarin and Adair Laurel. The Appeals Court decision upholds a previous decision issued by Land Court in 2005.  “It’s unfortunate that state courts took five years to dismiss a frivolous lawsuit by a few malcontents.  The town voted approval by an overwhelming majority but, due to the few, Middlefield lost half a decade of commercial tax revenue and increased local employment.  We’re glad to finally get the green light,” said Tamarin Laurel.
The original three-count complaint was filed in Land Court on April 24, 2002 by twelve Middlefield residents - Mitch Feldmesser, Maureen Sullivan, John & Mary Richardson, Kathleen O’Brien, Githa Joszef, Michael and Ruth Feldberg, Gregory & Elizabeth Carpenter, Joan Almori & Gail Beare, against the town of Middlefield, the Zoning Board of Appeals, and Tamarin Laurel-Paine and Adair Laurel-Cafarella.  The complaint opposed a special permit for the construction of a new building for AzureGreen.  All counts in the suit were found to be insubstantial and were subsequently dismissed on June 28, 2005.
Plaintiff Kathleen O’Brien filed an appeal on July 22, 2005.  This June 2007 decision finds that appeal to have no standing.  The five page decision references the town of Middlefield’s lack of participation in the proceedings, and referred to O’Brien’s assertions of traffic issues, devaluation of her property and fear of sewage run-off as “mere conjecture.”
This decision now allows AzureGreen to begin construction on their new building, which will be a green-energy showplace, and provide many community amenities, such as daycare, in addition to expanding employment.
AzureGreen is a $5 million per year company and the largest distribution outlet of metaphysical items.  The online business stocks thousands of products for enhancing the spiritual and magical side of life, including candles, incense, bath salts, crystals, CDs, jewelry and ritual items.  Products are purchased from the mail-order catalog, or from AzureGreen’s website, www.azuregreen.com
Although O’Brien can file yet another appeal with the Massachusetts Supreme Court, it is highly unlikely that it would meet with a different result, but could further delay AzureGreen’s construction.
“Our business is very successful and we have the need for a larger facility in order to grow and to provide more to the community. We are happy with the Court’s decision and look forward to breaking ground.” explains AzureGreen co-owner Adair Laurel-Cafarella.