American Muscle Car museum owner Mark Pieloch reportedly retaliated in protest of the city of Melbourne agreeing to build affordable housing near his property.
The “museum,” which is closed to the public is located on Sarno Road across the street from the city dump and adjacent to a poker room, Club 52. In the past, he has allowed local nonprofits to use the facilities for charitable fundraisers. He also uses it to host fundraisers for his political allies like Congressman Bill Posey. He and his wife often give the maximum donations allowed to Republican candidates running for office in Brevard.
In an attempt to stop the development, he offered to purchase the land and stated Melbourne was in more need for a dog park over affordable housing. Pieloch was visibly upset and made disparaging comments about Daily Bread, the homeless population and others during his public comment at the last city council meeting. Only one council member voted in support of his proposal.
Pieloch was the beneficiary of a large tax abatement from the county to locate his business of pet pharmaceuticals here. Prior to moving to Florida, he was arrested in Nebraska for felony tax evasion for allegedly dodging sales tax in his massive car collection. The charges were later dropped when he paid the taxes.
