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Council delays declaring former police station surplus, asks for appraisal referral
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Summary
Councilors expressed concern about selling the former police station (Map 28 Lot 12 on Church Street) without a commercial appraisal. The council voted to give the item further time and referred it to the mayor's and comptroller's offices to obtain a professional appraisal before proceeding.
The council discussed whether to declare the former police station on Church Street (assessor's map 28, lot 12) surplus and put it up for sale by public bid. The board of assessors recommended the sale, noting the property’s assessed value but also the building’s poor condition and potential need for renovation.
Councilors recognized the site's downtown location and tax-roll potential but voiced repeated concerns about selling a historically owned, strategically located property without a professional appraisal. Several members said the assessor’s current tax assessment does not reflect market value for a surplus sale because the property is tax-exempt and in poor condition.
As acting chair of the city property committee summarized, the council voted to give the petition further time and specifically referred the matter to the mayor’s office and comptroller to arrange for a professional appraisal and report back. Members suggested either (1) obtain an appraisal before declaring surplus or (2) declare surplus contingent on the mayor’s office agreeing to carry out an appraisal before auctioning the property. The council adopted an approach that asks the administration to pursue an appraisal and report back to the council.
