Planning & Zoning backs sale of four Central Boulevard lots, opposes sale of wetlands back lot on Island Avenue

The City of Groton Planning and Zoning Commission voted to give a favorable advisory recommendation for the sale of four small city-owned lots on Central Boulevard and an unfavorable recommendation for the larger, wetlands-backed lot on Island Avenue.

Taylor, the city planning staff member who presented the referral, said the real estate committee had unanimously deemed the parcels excess and recommended moving the properties to public sale under Connecticut General Statutes §8-24. Jill Ross, who explained the property's history, said the parcels were acquired in a 1968 foreclosure and that unpaid taxes and a sewer assessment remain on the deeds: “unpaid taxes in the amount of $3,509.62 for the town and $517.39 for the city,” Ross said, adding that a $2,923.73 sewer assessment would be deducted from proceeds.

Commissioners discussed buildability constraints before the formal motion. Staff noted the front Central Boulevard lots are roughly 0.1 acre each and more likely to be developed, while the Island Avenue parcel is largely wetlands with no sewer hookup. The commission debated options including selling parcels individually, holding a test sale, or retaining the largest lot for open space or transfer to the town.

A commissioner formally moved for a favorable recommendation on the four Central Boulevard lots and an unfavorable recommendation for the Island Avenue lot; the motion was seconded and approved by the members present. The advisory recommendation now goes to the mayor and the city council, and the town council for its required approval and any subsequent public hearings and sale process. The deed language discussed on the record indicates sale would proceed to the highest responsible bidder, with proceeds divided 85% to the town and 15% to the city (minus the sewer assessment).