Update: Michelangelo in Mattituck reopens after being seized
Update (12:30 p.m., Friday): The Michelangelo Pizzeria in Mattituck reopened Thursday several hours after it had been seized for non-payment of taxes. A spokesman from the Department of Taxation and Finance, said Thursday that the business owes $155,471 in taxes. He confirmed the business was allowed to reopen later in the day.
Original Story: The Michelangelo Pizzeria in Mattituck has been seized for non-payment of taxes and is now in the possession of the State of New York, according to notice from the State Department of Taxation and Finance that was posted on the window of the business Thursday.
James Gazzale, a spokesman from the Department of Taxation and Finance, said Thursday that the amount owed by Michelangelo is $155,471.
Ms. Gazzale said they he can’t divulge communications with any specific business, but he said: “In general, after we seize a business, we continue to have an open dialogue with the business owner in finding a mutually beneficially way forward, to get them the keys back, so they can reopen as quickly as possible. In general, we just want to know that the business is opening in good faith moving forward. And each case is handled on a case-by-case basis.”
This is the second time in just over two years that the Mattituck Michelangelo has been seized by the state for non-payment of taxes.
In August 2016, the same thing happened, and the business was reopened the following day. At that time, the state had issued two warrants — for $54,228 and for $49,570 — against the company.
Attorney Frank Blangiardo, who is listed on corporation filing as the registered agent for Michela Corp, could not immediately be reached for comment. There was no answer at the business.
The Michelangelo location in Southold remains open and is not affected.
Correction: A spokesman for the Department of Taxation and Finance confirmed the business was allowed to reopen the same day it was seized.
Photo caption: Signs were placed on the business Thursday saying the business has been seized. (Credit: Tim Gannon)
