Selectboard directs legal review and moves toward demolition of tax-acquired property at 3 Marcello Street

The Jay Selectboard voted to direct staff to seek legal guidance and pursue demolition options for a tax-acquired property at 3 Marcello Street after hearing that remediation costs are likely to exceed the property’s assessed value.

Staff explained the process under state law for tax-acquired property: notice to the prior owner, listing the property with a realtor and attempting sale for up to one year, and the possibility of other actions if the property is not marketable. The assessor’s figures cited during the discussion were $42,910 for total value (land $32,910; building $10,000). One board member recalled a higher figure that had been circulated earlier but the meeting transcript shows the assessor’s breakdown at $42,910 as the town’s working assessment.

Board members discussed demolition costs, the need for an asbestos survey and remediation before filing demolition permits, and options for funding (public-works budget, undesignated funds, or a special town meeting appropriation). A board member said the building is "dangerous" to walk through and that demolition may be the most practical pathway given likely costs to rehabilitate.

Next steps: the board instructed staff to consult the town attorney on specific statutory steps and bring a recommendation back to a future meeting. The motion to move in the direction of demolition was made and seconded and carried by voice vote.

The board asked staff to include a cost estimate and outline funding options when the item returns for decision.