Former Liverpool residents, Curtola and his manager, Robert Hubbard, moved out west – no firm location could be found although Edmonton has been mentioned – during the past two weeks. Moving vans were seen at his house, for example, on Dec. 15.

Left behind, however, is Shipyard Point off Henry Hensey Drive in Liverpool, where his company, Venila Development Corporation 1869 is planning to build 30 high-end condominium units.

Talks with the Region of Queens, which sold the land, date back to early 2006.

The purchase agreement was signed later and then recently amended so that the company would not be constrained by time limits to build the complex.

Region of Queens Mayor John Leefe said, “I’m sure he will want to do something with it soon.” He explained no businessman would want to retain the costs of principal and interest and other expenses without reason.

Curtola moved to Liverpool in Sept. 2004 to the appreciation of a great many of his local fans. The 1960s singer hit the international spotlight with his 1963 hit, “Fortune Teller.” Over his career, he garnered 25 Canadian Gold singles and 12 Canadian Gold Albums.

On Aug. 26, 2005, Curtola performed before thousands of fans at Queens County Sea Fest in Brooklyn.

Their (Curtola and Hubbard) musical and business announcements didn’t stop there, however.

In Sept. 2005, the company, Virginian Investments Inc. 1882, brought detailed plans for a recreation complex to Region of Queens Municipal Council, which council subsequently endorsed in principle.

“The Harbour,” as it was called, included a hotel and residential housing, a Recreational Vehicle Park and retail areas in addition to the sports and recreation facilities.

Nothing happened and council decided to move forward this year with a $20-million recreation complex that should be completed within three years.

In July 2006, Curtola stated the headquarters of Home Farms Technologies, Inc. would be moved from Manitoba to Liverpool. This was cancelled as well.

World Music Hall of Fame then announced Rockin’ on the Mersey, a huge event featuring Canada’s largest tent and numerous high profile entertainment names, would be held during last summer’s Liverpool Regional High School 50th Anniversary reunion and Privateer Days.

The date was then moved to coincide with Queens County Sea Fest at the end of August. However, due to business interests related to uranium, this was also cancelled.

Neither man could be reached for comment.