RHONJ Manzo Family Brownstone Event Center Hit with a $137 Unpaid Tax Bill

The Brownstone Tax Drama: A Money Mess on Paterson’s Event Scene

What’s Going On?

The Brownstone, a high-profile banquet and catering venue co-owned by Albert Manzo and his brother Tommy Manzo, has racked up $137,000 in unpaid property taxes on a parking lot next door to the main venue in Paterson, New Jersey.

Reports indicate the tax delinquency spans approximately 15-months of missed payments on that parcel, even though the venue itself is currently up-to-date on its banquet hall taxes.

How Velez Discovered the Debt — The Councilman Who Blindsided the Manor

Councilman Luis Velez of Paterson revealed the tax issue after hosting his August 2023 wedding reception at The Brownstone and encountering billing problems. During his own disagreement over fees, he checked the venue’s tax status and found the overdue balances. (Of all the people to give “family discounts” to, it would be a politican, not a goon associate of the mob à la Tommy Manzo!)

Velez reportedly dug into municipal records and found that Albert Manzo, who had appealed the property’s tax assessment alongside Velez in March 2023, was still in arrears despite an installment agreement.

When questioned, Velez denied retaliating or leaking out of spite. He argued simply, “Fact is fact — nobody’s above the law”.

The Tax Appeal Settlement — Broken Promises & Missed Payments

In March 2023, the Manzos agreed to settle an appeal; they reduced the assessed value of the lot from $2.5 million to $1.5 million, and pledged $13,605/month for back taxes covering 2018–2023.

They reportedly made two lump payments totaling $80,616 in May 2023 — voluntary but not mandatory. Though that brought the debt down, the payments stopped, leaving an estimated $137,000 still owed.

Total back taxes accrued over 16 months should have been around $217,685; meaning the venue has paid just over a third — and ignored the rest.

Public Reactions (And Denials)

Al Manzo dismissed Velez’s revelations as petty politics, joking it was because Velez got a “black eye” after filing theft-of-services charges against him over a disputed bill for his wedding reception. He also claimed tax affairs aren’t his responsibility and said he’s not sure how the payment schedule is being handled.

Velez maintained he only drew attention to the unpaid taxes when he noted the discrepancy during his council duties and personal experiences as a client. He stressed the need for accountability, regardless of celebrity status.

Public relations crash for a show that markets opulence and wealth, owing six-figure taxes on part of your own property is embarrassing.

The incident serves as a messy teachable moment. While Bravo fame may bring glamour, it doesn’t exempt a business from municipal responsibility. The Brownstone’s behind-the-scenes financial missteps may cast a shadow over one of Paterson’s most iconic venues — and shine a spotlight on how they shouldn’t be all holier than thou when it comes to financial messes (or family drama, looking at you, Tommy Manzo). I’m sure Teresa is enjoying her afternoon tea with a lemon twist right about now.