Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Surplus Property topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council reviews 27 surplus properties and weighs future of downtown farmers market building
Summary
Staff presented recommendations for 27 county‑owned properties — research, hold, request for bid, or demolition; several lots are slated for demolition under a community block grant, while council debated whether to preserve the downtown farmers market building, which staff said needs a new roof, sprinkler system, water service and electrical work with renovation quotes in the six figures.
County staff told the Fairfield County Council on March 9 that a committee has reviewed county‑owned land and identified 27 vacant or unoccupied properties with a range of recommended next steps.
The recommendations in the packet include categories labeled "research" (title work to confirm county ownership where earlier commissions or authorities no longer exist), "hold," "request for bid (RFB)," and "hold for demo" (properties judged beyond salvage). Staff said eight properties are targeted for demolition under a community block grant and will be cleared and returned to greenfield status.
Councilmember Mr. Kobach urged caution on the downtown farmers market building, saying community input shows strong local interest in preserving a venue for farmers. "I would personally... hold off on that one particular building until we understand what we can do about a farmers market," he said. Staff and other council members warned the building needs substantial work: a new roof, a full sprinkler system (required for a public facility), adequate water service and electrical repairs. One councilmember recalled about $150,000 previously invested in the site; another participant later referenced $125,000 — staff did not supply a definitive accounting at the meeting.
Options discussed included pursuing grant funding to refurbish the structure, selling or transferring the property to the town of Windsboro, or pursuing an RFB if the council decides not to preserve it. Staff emphasized that the recommendations are not votes; council will decide case‑by‑case whether to accept staff's disposal method suggestions when the items return for formal action.
Why it matters: Decisions on surplus properties can affect neighborhood land use, historic community amenities like the farmers market, and potential revenue or costs to the county.
What’s next: Staff expects to bring recommendations back for council votes at a future meeting; councilmembers suggested exploring grant options and possible transfer to the town of Windsboro if the town is interested.
