Attorney urges council to approve sale of 269 Altamont Avenue, saying funds are available to cover taxes

Philip Miller, an attorney from Albany, urged the council to approve the sale of 269 Altamont Avenue during the public comment period Monday, saying he had funds in escrow to cover taxes and that the property owners had fallen on hard times. "I have over $40,000 sitting in my escrow account to pay any taxes that may be owed on this property," Miller said, adding that he had assurance and proof of additional funds available if needed. He said the Guillotine family is elderly, that the loss of a son and the husband's diagnosis of Alzheimer's contributed to their tax delinquency, and asked the council for understanding in approving the sale. On the council agenda the sale of 269 Altamont Avenue was listed as an item for original consideration and was noted as "discussed in committee without objection on consent," meaning it was handled on the consent calendar during the meeting. Miller identified himself as representing the family and asked the council to approve the item to resolve the tax issue. The council did not record additional floor debate on the sale during the meeting transcript. No council member or city official provided further financial details about the property or the proposed buyer during the session.