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Neighbor asks Swansea board for clarity on proposed donation of 106 & 110; officials say no decision yet
Summary
A Foxfield Lane resident asked the selectboard about rumors that the owner of combined properties at 106 and 110 intends to donate one building to the town while continuing to occupy and avoid taxes on the other; board members said the matter is preliminary, no decision has been made and they will investigate and report back.
During public input, a resident from Foxfield Lane raised concerns and asked the selectboard to clarify a rumor about the fate of two neighboring properties at 106 and 110.
The resident (S6) said neighbors have heard the owner may donate one building to the town and continue living in the other without paying property taxes. “I was wondering where that all stood and what's the possible… the owner wants to have donated to the town,” the resident said.
Chair (S3) responded that the board has held one preliminary meeting but has not taken any votes and is still investigating. “We haven't made any decisions… we're gonna really look into this and make sure we do the right thing for the taxpayers,” the chair said, requesting more time and asking the resident to refrain from relying on rumors.
Other board members clarified that several options are being considered, including accepting a donation for the vacant building only or a conservation easement that would remove a parcel from the tax rolls; board members said if anything requires voter approval it would be brought forward at a town meeting. The selectboard suggested the resident attend the next selectmen meeting (scheduled for June 3) for an update.
The board made no motion or decision on the donation at the meeting; it treated the matter as ongoing and asked staff to gather facts and return with information at a future meeting.
