Shelton council authorizes $1.35 million purchase of 276 Leavenworth Road

Shelton City Council voted to authorize the purchase of property at 276 Leavenworth Road for $1,350,000, with the purchase structured as two equal payments of $675,000. The council authorized a first payment of $530,435 to come from aldermatic bonding pursuant to section 7.16 of the city charter and $144,565 from the general fund surplus, and authorized Mayor Mark A. Loretti and corporation counsel to execute documents to complete the acquisition.

Council members discussed the 5.2-acre site’s potential uses, including restoring greenhouse operations, leasing space for small food businesses (one building previously housed a bakery with a pizza oven and commercial kitchen equipment), community gardens and limited rental housing targeted at affordability. A council member asked whether the city intended to sell parts of the land or change zoning; the council emphasized the option to retain control through deed restrictions or long-term leases and said any development would come back before the council for approval.

One speaker representing public concern raised the idea of allowing a family member of the previous owner to use the site for its former purpose; the council said it could consider leasing options but would not assume responsibility for resolving private disputes. Council members repeatedly noted the city’s preference to retain control over the property and to use it for a mix of public benefit and revenue where appropriate.

The council approved the purchase; the transcript records the motion carried but does not record a roll-call tally. The council also referenced another acquisition (land on Long Avenue) as part of an ongoing municipal land strategy. Next steps—such as formal planning, deed restrictions, zoning actions or leasing arrangements—were discussed in general terms but no specific follow-up deadlines were recorded in the transcript.