City counsel says Yankee Peddler sale on hold after appeal; appellate hearing likely in early 2027

Corporation counsel updated the Torrington Board of Finance that the city's trial-court victory in the Yankee Peddler blight case has been appealed by Jason Hospitality, putting a proposed sale and disposition on hold.

"As expected, they . . . appealed the judgment," corporation counsel said. Counsel estimated that an appellate hearing could be scheduled in February or March of 2027 and that it could take four to six months after a hearing for the appeals court to issue a decision; the transcript noted that the parties could subsequently seek Supreme Court review, which would further extend the timeline.

Counsel also explained the current legal posture: Jason Hospitality remains the legal title holder while the Torington Development Corporation is the court-appointed receiver responsible for day-to-day repairs and upkeep. Counsel warned the board about safety risks from building deterioration in the interim, noting the property has been gutted to studs and lacks a sprinkler system.

Board members discussed legislative remedies to shorten the timeline for municipalities to address blighted properties — counsel confirmed the city is engaging its state legislative delegation to consider revisions to the applicable statutory process for blight enforcement.

What happens next: corporation counsel said the city will monitor appellate scheduling, consider motions to expedite where appropriate, and continue coordination with the receiver to manage public-safety risks while the appeal proceeds.