Florida lawyer Michael Goldberg, tasked with selling Burke Mountain ski area, is on the brink of finalizing a deal with an undisclosed buyer. However, two persistent investors, Todd Firestone and Mark Greenberg, are challenging Goldberg to conduct a public auction for the resort. Despite their efforts to sway public opinion at a recent meeting, the reception from the community was lukewarm at best.
The Florida lawyer is pushing back against Firestone and Greenberg, who previously derailed a deal by attempting to renegotiate terms at the last minute. Goldberg made it clear in a statement that he has no interest in entertaining the two investors, citing their lack of credibility. Instead, he is in talks with a more financially stable buyer offering a higher price for the property.
Investors’ Plea for a Public Auction
Firestone and Greenberg are advocating for a public auction, emphasizing transparency in the sale process. They expressed frustration at the communication delays with Goldberg’s office, which they claim led to a reduction in their offer for the ski area. Despite their efforts to engage with Goldberg, the response from the receiver has been tepid, prompting them to seek a second chance to present their proposal.
During the meeting at the Burke Community Center, Greenberg highlighted the successful auction sale of Jay Peak, another property implicated in the EB-5 scandal, as a precedent for selling Burke Mountain. However, community members raised concerns about the potential impact of a public auction on the resort’s future. Abbey Long, executive director of Kingdom Trails, stressed the importance of considering the community’s interests and the historical ownership challenges faced by the mountain.
The overall sentiment among attendees was cautious, with skepticism stemming from past ownership failures and uncertainties about the auction process. Despite Firestone’s hopes for a more enthusiastic response, he acknowledged the community’s apprehension. As the debate over the resort’s sale continues, the fate of Burke Mountain hangs in the balance.
Anne Wallace Allen covers business and the economy for Seven Days. Born in Australia and raised in Massachusetts, Anne graduated from Bard College and Georgetown University and spent several years working as a journalist before joining Seven Days. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, Anne brings a unique perspective to her reporting, capturing the essence of complex business dealings and community dynamics.
