Committee requires applicant-paid appraisal before sale of 0 Calumet; follows Community Development recommendation

The Peabody Legal Affairs Committee voted 5-0 Aug. 19 to proceed with a disposition process for city-owned lot 0 Calumet and to add an appraisal requirement to the steps outlined by Community Development, with the applicant paying for the appraisal.

Councilor McGinn cited the council's disposition flowchart and the assessor's valuation of $8,000, saying: "If the value is greater than $5,000, we ask that appraisal is done and paid for by the applicant." Councilor Manny Martin echoed that position and urged consistent application of the flowchart.

Community Development Director Kirk Bellavance said an appraisal would clarify interest and value but noted the practical challenge of requiring petitioners to pay up front when the city cannot guarantee they will be the successful buyer. "It would be difficult to have 1 property owner ... pay for an appraisal, when we can't guarantee that they'll be the buyers of that property," Bellavance said. He offered alternatives including requesting appraisals after sealed bids.

Councilor Melville moved to follow Community Development's recommendation with the addition that the applicant pay for an appraisal. The motion passed on a roll-call vote: Councilors Turco, Peach, Higgins, Melville and Rosignal voting yes.

The committee directed staff to proceed with the disposition steps including appraisal and abutter notification under the established procedure. The committee also asked staff to include abutters across the Salem line in notifications because the parcel borders Salem and multiple abutters may be interested.

Next steps: Community Development will proceed with the disposition process and ensure an appraisal is obtained and paid for by the applicant prior to abutter notification, per the council's flowchart.