Town Paid Too Much For Land

To the Editor:

Re: Bee article “Land Purchase Makes Lake Zoar Marina More Accessible,” Page A-10, December 1, 2006.

I read with much interest the subject article and feel that some clarification is required of the statements contained in the first paragraph. Yes, The Legislative Council did approve the purchase; however, the vote was not unanimous.

Prior to the council meeting on November 14, I walked the property and found about two-thirds of it to be extremely steep. Even though it is grandfathered as an approved building lot under the 1976 P&Z regulations, I personally don’t believe it would be buildable when lot line setbacks, septic and well requirements are taken into consideration.

Review of town clerk’s, assessor’s and tax collector’s records reveal the following: Land value — $83,160; Assessed value — $58,210. The lot was on the delinquent tax list and was sold at public auction by the town on February 4, 2004, for $20,000. It’s interesting to note that there were only two parties who bid at auction. In 2006, the property was appraised for $275,000 by an independent appraisal firm. The Board of Selectmen subsequently negotiated, with the owner, a price of $250,000.

I brought my concerns to the council, the selectmen, and Parks and Recreation. While I agree that access to approximately one-third of the property will enhance the use of Eichler’s Cove by the town, I felt and still feel the expenditure of $250,000 is excessive. Therefore, as the council minutes of November 14 reflect, I voted against the proposal along with D. Amaral.

Sincerely yours,

Joseph E. Borst, Council Member 2nd District

10 Beechwood Drive, Sandy Hook                           December 4, 2006