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Groton councilors press for study, not sale, of four city-owned parcels on Central Boulevard
Summary
Councilors and the mayor debated whether to sell or repurpose four city-owned parcels at 0 Central Boulevard and 0 Island Avenue; concerns cited deed restrictions, flood risk, invasive species, liability and the potential for litigation. The council asked members to submit questions to the mayor's office for follow-up.
Mayor Russ opened discussion of four city-owned parcels at 0 Central Boulevard and 0 Island Avenue and emphasized that the process is at an early stage and must follow deed and foreclosure agreements.
"The city is fully aware of the requirements established by the deed and foreclosure agreements and intends to follow the applicable process as it was articulated at the opening of the public hearing," Mayor Russ said, explaining that if the town does not object the city would proceed in accordance with the deed and related agreements.
Multiple residents and the Town of Grattan Conservation Commission had raised concerns about flood zones, open space preservation and whether the process complied with recording agreements. Mayor Russ noted that the deed identifies open space as one permissible public use but does not require the parcels to remain open space.
Councilors expressed a range of views but repeatedly said they were not prepared to sell the parcels immediately. One councilor urged changing the agenda label from "sale" to "discussion" and suggested developing a five- and 20-year plan for city assets. That councilor described the parcel as overgrown with invasives and brambles and recommended considering stewardship, improved drainage or grants for coastal resilience rather than an immediate sale.
Other concerns included possible downstream flooding, a parcel that appears to abut a private driveway (raising liability questions), and whether subdividing the parcels would be allowed by the deed and zoning. Mayor Russ said maps were pulled from the Town of Groton's GIS portal (aerial imaging last updated March 2023) and FEMA flood layers had been reviewed.
Rather than take immediate action, the council agreed to continue discussion at future Committee of the Whole meetings. Mayor Russ asked councilors to send specific questions to the mayor's office so staff could compile answers for the next meeting.
