Norwich council approves easement, property takeover and sale agreement; sets CDBG hearing

The Norwich City Council voted unanimously July 21 to advance several property and budget items, including acceptance of an easement over a discontinued portion of Lola Lane, authorization for the city manager to accept a tax-delinquent property in lieu of foreclosure, and approval of a sales agreement for 29 Division Street with the price added to the record.

The actions came during the regular council meeting at Norwich City Hall and were approved 7-0 in roll-call votes by Aldermen Nash, Hayes, Bettencourt, Gold, Singh, President Pro Tem DeLucia and Mayor Nystrom.

Council members adopted a resolution to accept an easement over a discontinued portion of Lola Lane “for the use by the city as a public right of way,” the measure’s text said. Council discussion indicated the easement preserves public access while allowing parallel efforts to market nearby industrial property. The roll call on the question recorded seven votes in favor and none opposed.

The council then approved a resolution authorizing City Manager John Salomon to accept a property in lieu of foreclosure from Tri Non Group LLC for a narrow lot on Oak Ridge Street. During discussion Salomon and council members said the parcel has more than $30,000 in back taxes and the assessed or estimated value was discussed as roughly $20,000; council members described the lot as about 50 feet wide and roughly 0.15 acre. Salomon and…