City Council Approves Controversial Land Sale Deal

In a recent West Haven city council meeting, discussions centered around the potential sale of a city-owned lot at 24 Front Street to the ZOARS, owners of the adjacent property at 28 Front Street. The lot, currently deemed unbuildable and of zero value to the city, poses liability risks due to its condition and lack of maintenance.

The ZOARS expressed interest in acquiring the lot to incorporate it into their existing property, which would allow them to utilize the land as a yard. The city would retain ownership of a portion of the lot that is paved as part of Clinton Place, which runs alongside it. The ZOARS would be responsible for the surveying costs to delineate the property boundaries and identify the usable land.

Council members highlighted the benefits of the sale, noting that it would not only place the property on the tax rolls but also relieve the city of potential legal liabilities associated with accidents on the vacant lot. The ZOARS have offered $1,000 for the property, with all associated transfer costs, including the survey, to be covered by them.

Concerns were raised regarding the condition of the lot, which is overgrown and presents safety hazards. The council emphasized the importance of clarifying the exact dimensions of the property being sold, as the sale would involve only a portion of the lot, not the entire 40 by 150 feet.

The meeting concluded with a consensus on the necessity of the survey to ensure proper boundaries are established before the sale proceeds, allowing the ZOARS to enhance their property while benefiting the city financially and legally.