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Council declares 202 Park Street surplus amid debate over potential buildability and disposition
Summary
The council declared a 4,000-square-foot city lot at 202 Park Street surplus, clearing the first procedural step toward sale or transfer; councilors and staff debated whether the parcel could be buildable and how to protect the city’s financial interest.
The Lawrence City Council on March 4 voted to declare city-owned land at 202 Park Street (Map 171, Lot 133) surplus, a procedural step that allows the city to solicit interest and consider disposition options including sale or transfer.
Charleneette Pascoe, city asset officer, told the council the lot is approximately 4,000 square feet in a B-1 zoning district with a 2025 assessed value of $20,700 and an estimated annual tax of about $41. She explained the city intends to sell the property “as is” and that no determination on final disposition has been made.
Several councilors pressed planning staff and the asset officer to ensure transparency and to clarify whether the parcel is functionally buildable or would need variances. Councilor Levy and others voiced concern that the city might declare the parcel surplus without ensuring the city receives fair market value if the lot is later rendered buildable by a buyer’s zoning action.
City Attorney Tim Hooten explained that declaring property surplus is a necessary first step to allow the city to explore disposition options; it does not fix a sale price or bar future council review of disposition terms. Pascoe said the city typically notifies abutters and publishes a disposition process; any final transfer, direct sale or request for proposals would return to council for approval.
The motion to declare the property surplus carried by voice vote. The asset officer said staff will notify abutters and proceed with the disposition process and that a future council vote will be required to finalize any sale or specific transfer conditions.
