Committee votes to request §8‑24 review for three city parcels; historic concerns raised for 210 Trips Road

The Economic Development Committee moved and seconded a request that the Planning & Zoning Commission perform an §8‑24 review of three city parcels — 210 Trips Road, 17 Miller Street and 20 Portland Street — to determine whether proposed dispositions fit the town’s plan of conservation and development.

Staff explained the §8‑24 review is required by state statute when the municipality seeks to lease, sell or otherwise dispose of municipal property and said the review reports whether a proposed disposition fits the plan of conservation and development. "An 8‑24 review is just to see if it fits within the confines of the plan of conservation and development," a staff member said.

The motion carried after a brief discussion about next steps. Committee members asked staff to provide a detailed funding and appraisal packet for each parcel before any notice of sale: that includes an updated assessor value, a list of departmental comments, title searches and, where appropriate, hiring an outside appraiser. Staff confirmed the title attorney is holding the deed for 17 Miller Street and that the city is insured on the properties in the interim.

Members also discussed 210 Trips Road’s possible historical significance. Staff said the building is one of the town’s older structures and that the committee should consult with the historical society before proceeding with sales or negotiated agreements; staff warned that formal registry listing can impose preservation standards that could change the property’s marketability.

No sale was authorized. The committee further asked staff and legal to return with appraisal information and a recommendation on whether to use assessor values or to hire an appraiser before the next committee meeting.