Select Board approves several small parcel sales, delays large Smoke Street parcel over title concerns

The Nottingham Select Board on Aug. 17 approved multiple sales of tax-deeded parcels while delaying one large parcel until title issues are resolved.

Board members voted to accept combined abutter bids for map 1 lots 117 and 118 (to be merged into map 133) for a total of $2,000, approved a $5,000 abutter bid on map 20 lot 3 (to be merged into map 20-4) and accepted a $2,000 bid on map 23 lot 5. The board also signed a purchase-and-sale agreement tonight for a previously accepted offer on a 0.05-acre parcel on Bington Road (map 1 lot 8) and authorized deed execution.

Staff warned that a larger parcel on Smoke Street (102B, roughly 12 acres on tax maps) cannot move forward immediately because town records show the town holds deed to only a portion of the lot. Staff described the problem as: "The property is being sold in ASIS condition with all faults." The board instructed staff to research title and work with counsel to reconcile which acreage the town actually owns before returning the parcel to the market.

A prospective bidder who introduced himself at the meeting stated, "My name is Rob Barnes." Town staff said deposits are refundable where sales cannot proceed pending title resolution.

The board discussed but did not adopt minimum-bid requirements; several members said they preferred to wait for fuller board participation on low offers rather than accept undervalued sealed bids. Map 1 lot 91 was also tabled pending further review.

Next steps: staff will pursue title corrections or consolidation so the town can convey clear ownership, then the board will revisit sales or reopen bidding as appropriate.