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GOCO appraisal and title checks complicate Taylor Kennedy land acquisition closing
Summary
Officials said GOCO’s new requirements split title claims and required an additional appraisal, creating scheduling risk for the April 6 closing of the Taylor Kennedy property; trustees were told GOCO flagged unreadable original patents and is reviewing title work.
Cindy Neely told trustees on March 9 that the town’s planned Taylor Kennedy land acquisition, supported by a GOCO grant, faces timing and title hurdles as the state agency requires additional appraisal work and deeper title checks.
Neely said GOCO has divided the property’s claims into three closing groups—National Historic Landmark-designated sites, non-NHL sites and partial-ownership parcels—and will not fund parcels with partial ownership unless they meet GOCO requirements. GOCO requested another appraisal limited to "Platt 1" with an appraiser deadline of March 31 while the closing is scheduled for April 6, 2026, prompting concerns that the appraisal timeline is too short relative to the grant requirements.
Neely also reported that GOCO reviewers found several historic patents with unreadable originals and have asked title companies to re-submit clearer records. Town staff said they will meet with the State Historical Fund the following Wednesday to begin the grant-funds process and continue title work and coordination with GOCO.
"I will never apply for another GOCO grant ever," Neely said, summarizing the burden of additional requirements and review. Trustees were not asked to take further action at the meeting but were informed that multiple, staggered closings and additional title work are likely required before final transfer.
