Council approves first reading to sell 2.22 acres on West Main after auction; residential lots also approved for first reading

At the July 13 Bridgeport City Council meeting, the council approved first readings of ordinances to sell city-owned property following a commercial auction.

Interim City Manager Joe described the West Main Street parcel — the former townhouse/motel site — and said a commercial auction conducted by Joe R. Pyle Auctions produced a high bid of $750,000 for the 2.22‑acre commercial lot. He said two smaller residential lots connected to the parcel received a combined high bid of $55,000.

"The high bid for that property was $750,000," the manager said, and he asked the council for approval to proceed with the two required readings. He told members the legal advertisement for the home‑rule application would run on July 14 and July 21, with a special public hearing scheduled for Aug. 17 and 1st reading on Aug. 17 and 2nd and final reading on Aug. 24 if the council moves forward.

Councilors moved and seconded the item and approved the first readings by voice vote. The manager noted restrictive covenants prevented combining the residential lots with the commercial parcel and that the city’s auction contract includes a commission arrangement with the auction firm that returns a portion of commission to the city.

Council also approved the first reading of an ordinance to sell Lots 1A and 2A in the Twin Oaks subdivision (Elm Drive) after a separate auction process; staff said buyers’ specific development plans were not disclosed as part of the auction.

The council did not take final action; both sales require the legally required second reading before the transactions are finalized.