Former NA Solicitor to Pay $7,500 Conflict of Interest Fine

The former city solicitor will pay a $7,500 fine after admitting to violating state conflict of interest law.

The Berkshire Eagle  reports John DeRosa served as the city's legal counsel while also representing the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art as it explored the redevelopment of Western Gateway Heritage State Park, the State Ethics Commission announced Wednesday, after a nearly two-year inquiry into DeRosa's dealings.

In a disposition agreement signed by DeRosa, the commission found that he simultaneously advised North Adams, as city solicitor, and the museum, as a private attorney and a member of its board of trustees while it pushed for the redevelopment of Western Gateway Heritage State Park in 2011 and 2012.

The commission also flagged DeRosa for representing Extreme Model Railroad and Contemporary Architecture Museum developer Thomas Krens, as well as directing the private nonprofit North Adams Partnership all while serving as city solicitor.

By working for the city throughout the proposed redevelopment of Heritage State Park "while having a private relationships with Mass MoCA, North Adams Partnership, and Krens," DeRosa created the perception that they could "unduly influence or enjoy DeRosa's favor in the performance of his official duties," the commission found.

DeRosa told The Eagle on Wednesday that he accepts that finding and expressed a desire to move on from the ordeal.