TL;DR it was a donation, it can be put by the stairs to get it out of the way but people probably want VFDs out of there.
There was a big donation of stuff from a startup through Safer DIY which is all in those boxes.
Mostly it's just (nice) wire but there is also a box of VFDs (variable frequency drives) which are really cool - they can create variable frequency 3-phase AC with a single-phase 240vac input.
There is also a box with four process control pH monitors and matching pH probes, and a box of assorted stuff including a lot of relays and stuff. I have sent messages around to people who might be able to make use of things from there but in general, it's all up for grabs for people who want to make use of it or take it where it's needed. I put some of it in the recycling already.
Here is a google doc listing most of the more valuable items:
-jake