Menands board declares two parcels surplus, will negotiate sales with abutters

The Menands Village Board on June 2 authorized the village to declare two small parcels surplus and begin negotiating their sale to adjoining property owners, using a recently completed appraisal that valued the combined parcel at $11,000.

Mayor Mike told the board the appraisal returned a total value of $11,000 for the parcel being subdivided; the two pieces would be priced at $5,500 each. The board discussed creating a 10-foot path on the high side as part of a lot-line adjustment to support park access. Steve (staff member) said the appraisal will be the basis for the purchase price and that he would prepare purchase-and-sale documentation and the lot-line adjustment paperwork.

Resident Dara Blanchett asked whether buying adjoining parcel area would increase her property taxes; Mayor Mike estimated—based on the appraisal and market values—that the added assessment might increase taxable value by roughly $1,000 to $2,000 and could amount to about $50 more in annual taxes for an individual owner, but he said he would run the numbers with residents for clarity.

The board made two motions: one to declare the parcels surplus and a second to begin negotiating sale contracts and the 10-foot right-of-way; both motions were seconded and advanced. The board emphasized it was authorizing negotiation and preliminary legal work rather than finalizing any sale. Any final sale would require subsequent ratification by the village when contracts are ready.

Ending

The village retained the central parcel in the short term while proceeding with legal work to create the subdivided parcels; the clerk and village attorney will prepare sale documents and financing options, including the possibility of a tax-bill installment plan for buyers.