Selectmen grant deed-waiver consideration for Forestwood Avenue properties; owners working toward sale

The Greenland Board of Selectmen on June 30 approved bringing forward deed-waiver requests for four contiguous properties on Forestwood Avenue that carried unpaid taxes for the 2022 tax year. The tax collector and assessor reviewed each case; staff said the owners are working to sell at least one property and intend sale proceeds to satisfy outstanding taxes.

This matters because deed-waiver decisions are the mechanism by which towns decide whether to pursue deeding properties for unpaid taxes; staff explained the tax collector carefully reviews cases and that after three years of unpaid taxes a conveyance to the town is mandated unless a waiver or other resolution is approved.

Staff explained there are specific circumstances for each lot and that the tax collector and assessor had negotiated with the owner, who has documented health issues, and that efforts are underway to sell one or more properties. The board voted to approve the waiver actions as presented, with conditions that interest will continue to accrue and that the town will follow procedures if promises are not fulfilled. Selectmen noted the town does not want to act as a real-estate agent and will not delay deeding indefinitely if payments or sales do not materialize.

The selectmen moved and seconded approval of the deed-waiver packet; the motion carried on a voice vote. Staff said if sales close the proceeds will be applied to the outstanding taxes and interest; otherwise the town will proceed with the standard deeding process.