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Newport council authorizes pursuit of sale for small corner lot on Union and Sloan
Summary
Council voted to let the city manager negotiate with local business owners about selling a small corner lot at Union and Sloan Streets and to return with steps toward a citywide vote, after discussion about appraised value, neighboring residential impacts and zoning protections.
The Newport City Council voted Feb. 27 to authorize the city manager to begin negotiations over the possible sale of a small city-owned lot at the corner of Union and Sloan Streets, after hearing from business representatives who said the parcel would allow a modest expansion.
The council heard that the lot is appraised and assessed at roughly $28,700 and that prospective buyers — identified in council remarks as Thomas Gray and Alan Rabohan — want the property to expand an adjacent auto business. City staff noted state and local rules require any sale of municipal land valued at $1,000 or more to be presented to voters, so the council’s approval was limited to pursuing negotiations and returning with a recommended election process.
Neighbors raised concerns that an expansion could resemble past, poorly maintained uses and could depress nearby residential property values. One resident recommended the council consider nearby homeowners’ interests; council members replied that zoning and permitting processes would address setbacks and use changes. City staff said the interest described was for an approximately 15-foot addition along the building side primarily to meet zoning setbacks.
Council members discussed valuation and next steps for setting a sale price. Several members said the city should obtain a firm appraisal or consult local real-estate agents to establish a sale figure before placing any question before voters. The motion passed by voice vote; the manager will return with negotiated terms and any required appraisal before an election is scheduled.
The action was procedural and did not transfer title. Any final sale would require a municipal vote and compliance with zoning and permitting requirements.
