Condo owner Mary Lou Dunn asks Fairfield appeals panel to correct appraisal differences at 142 Robertson Crossing

Mary Lou Dunn told the Fairfield appeals panel on March 5 that her unit at 142 Robertson Crossing has been assessed higher than a downstairs neighbor with the same Bedford floor plan and square footage. She said the town’s appraised value differs markedly from recent sales in the complex and presented a broker’s price opinion from a local agent, who estimated a lower assessment figure based on condition and functional obsolescence.

Dunn said a prior reassessment showed her unit appraised at $571,800; she pointed to other units in Bradford that sold for roughly $510,000 and $525,000 and argued the town’s assessments do not reflect those sales or the functional differences between units (for example, finished basements in some units but not others). "I have been paying higher taxes than my downstairs neighbor, who has the exact same floor plan and square footage as mine," Dunn said.

The clerk reviewed field cards and comparable sales Dunn provided and noted that condominium appraisals typically use sales within the same complex as comparables. The clerk agreed that the documentation Dunn submitted — including the broker’s price opinion — strengthens her case, but said the full board must review and vote on any change. She explained that if Dunn is dissatisfied with the board’s decision she may seek judicial review in the appropriate court.

No board decision was recorded at the March 5 hearing; the clerk said Dunn will receive a mailed decision after the full board reviews the appeal.