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Norwalk council directs staff to pursue sale at fair market value for remnant parcel at Wright Road and Orchard Hills
Summary
After discussing history, public perception and precedent, the council directed staff to pursue appraisal and public-hearing steps needed to sell a roughly 4,700-square-foot remnant parcel at Wright Road and Orchard Hills Drive at fair market value.
The Norwalk City Council on April 3 discussed a remnant city-owned parcel at the northwest corner of Wright Road and Orchard Hills Drive and directed staff to pursue a negotiated sale at fair market value rather than a gratuitous transfer.
City planner Luke summarized the parcel’s history and described it as an approximately 4,700-square-foot remnant that remained following development in the area. He said a builder/developer who constructed adjacent townhome units had asked whether the city would be willing to convey the parcel.
Council members raised concerns about wording and precedent—specifically, whether materials should say the city would “transfer” property (which can imply a gift) or that the prospective purchaser intended to “acquire” or buy the parcel. Several members said the city’s standard practice requires obtaining fair market value when selling city-owned land and noted a prior example in which the council carved off parkland adjacent to Sunset Estates Park for neighboring properties after a public process.
City attorney Jim explained the public-notice and legal process that would be required for a negotiated sale, including appraisal and public hearings. Council members directed staff to follow the same process used for prior parcel carve-outs: obtain an appraisal, prepare public-notice materials, and return to council with a recommended sale process and price.
No formal sale contract was approved at the meeting. Staff were instructed to proceed with steps to enable a future public hearing and ordinance or resolution as necessary. Council members emphasized clear public communication and that any sale should reflect fair market value rather than a transfer without compensation.
Next steps: Staff will prepare an appraisal and a recommended public process for council consideration; the clerk and legal staff will post required notices before any future hearing or sale ordinance is considered.
