5.28.2024 City Council - Committee on Real Estate

The Fall River City Council Committee on Real Estate met on May 28, 2024. The meeting began with citizen input from Alexander Sylvia, who requested future agenda items to discuss the sale of the Bank Street Armory and the disposition of the former Sylvia School on Hartwell Street. He also suggested an annual review process for outstanding purchase and sale agreements, noting the Healey School playground's missing agreement. The committee then approved the minutes from October 25, 2022.

Next, the committee discussed the future use of the Hicks Street top lot, formerly leased to the Healey School. City Administrator Seth Aken stated the city was interested in selling the two-family zoned property, which currently holds broken playground equipment. The committee voted to authorize the purchasing department to prepare Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for its sale. Following this, Jennifer and Denise Rio requested to purchase a city-owned easement adjacent to their property at 123 Greenleaf Street. Despite a letter from Mr. Furland recommending the city retain the property due to its potential role in improving South Watuppa Pond's water quality, the committee voted to refer the matter to the administration for further research, including how the property was acquired, with a 30-day deadline for a recommendation.

Finally, the committee considered a request to authorize the mayor to transfer three landlocked, unbuildable parcels, held as tax possessions, to the Water Board. These parcels, valued at $10,000 each, are intended to serve as a buffer for the water department's assets, with the city paying $30,000 to clear tax liability. However, due to an unanswered question from Councilor Kadim regarding whether the Water Department would reimburse the city for this amount, the item was tabled. The meeting then adjourned.

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