Date: Fri 05-Jun-1998

Publication: Bee

Author: STEVEB

Quick Words:

Fairfield-Hills-Queen-St

Full Text:

State Offers Town Queen Street Houses

BY STEVE BIGHAM

The state has offered the town the right of first refusal on seven houses

along Queen Street. The buildings were part of the former Fairfield Hills

Hospital complex and were used to house staff members.

The town has until July 3 to respond to the offer made by the state's

Department of Public Works, according to a letter from P.J. Delahunty, Jr,

chief deputy commissioner of the state's Department of Public Works.

"All we have to do is say we may have an interest," Mr Rosenthal said. "After

that, the town has another 60 days to negotiate a price."

Several members of the Legislative Council have already suggested that the

town at least express an interest. The first selectman's office has had

numerous calls this week from residents of the area, urging the town to

purchase the property to be maintained as open space.

The state closed the former state mental institution three years ago. The

property currently for sale lies on the western edge of the Fairfield Hills

site.

In addition to the seven houses, there are also eight vacant lots. Some of the

property is located within the borough. By law, the town waives it right to

purchase the houses/lots if it does not respond within 45 days.

The state has given the town the option to purchase any, all or none of the

properties. No prices have been released at this time, however, the state said

it intends to sell them at market value. Both the houses and vacant lots have

already been appraised by the state, according to Richard Nuclo of the state's

Office of Policy and Management.

An additional five houses along Mile Hill Road South are also expected to be

offered to the town by the state. Mr Nuclo said these houses are in better

condition that those on Queen Street.

Many of the houses were built during the 1930s.

The selectmen will discuss the state's offer at its next meeting June 15.