A councilman got into a heated exchange with a developer over a possible conflict of interest during last night's City Council caucus.

Greenville Ward A Councilman, Robert Cavanaugh, who is a practicing attorney, said it is a conflict of interest for Colin M. Danzis, who has represented the city on various issues, to represent or act as a private developer in a city-related matter.

Danzis and Michael Mandelbaum, a West Orange-based attorney, are asking that the city provide an easement for them to build a two-lane road from Audrey Zapp Road that would lead to a cul-de-sac about 100 feet from the Morris Canal, at an estimated cost of about $500,000.

The two plan to construct a 30-story, 500-unit luxury apartment building on land sandwiched between the New Jersey Turnpike, Liberty State Park and the Mill Creek for an estimated $100 million.

"On the right hand you represent the city and on the left hand you're a private developer. I smell impropriety," Cavanaugh charged.

Danzis said he has looked into it, but doesn't see any reason for a conflict because he's the developer.

"We're taking a major risk," Danzis told the council. "We would also pay for the reconstruction of the rickety footbridge (that crosses) the Morris Canal.

Danzis' law firm, Lum, Danzis, Drasco, Positan & Kleinberg, of Roseland, billed the city about $897,000 for representing it against a sexual harassment law suit against the Police Department last year.

The firm also represented the city library in controversial negotiations with the Library System & Services, of Maryland. Danzis is one of Mayor Bret Schundler's largest political contributors.

Mandelbaum and Danzis are negotiating to buy the 5.75 acre tract of land from L & L Trucking, but say they won't until they know whether or not the road can be built.

Danzis also pointed out that the area has already been zoned for a similar construction.

Heights Ward D Councilman, William Gaughn, said the ordinance is nothing but an easement for the road to be created.

"I don't understand what all the hubbub's about," he said.

Council President Thomas DeGise asked the developers to provide answers to questions from members of the council at tonight's City Council meeting. He also asked Sean Connelly, the city's counsel, to determine whether the conflict-of-interest claims are valid.