In the heart of Manchester's city hall, the Committee on Lands and Buildings convened on February 15, 2025, to address several key matters concerning local land management and property transactions. With a quorum established, Chairman Levasseur led the meeting through a series of motions that would shape the city's landscape.
The committee's first significant action involved the approval of a purchase agreement with Falcon Holdings LLC for a 20-acre parcel on Wellington Road. Alderman Long moved to approve the agreement, which was seconded by Alderman Vincent. The motion passed unanimously, signaling a step forward in the city's development plans.
Next on the agenda was a request from attorney Andrew Sullivan regarding the termination of an easement for a specific tax map parcel. Alderman Long again took the lead, proposing approval contingent upon the approval of Mr. Clardy. Mark Gomez from the Parks and Recreation Department confirmed that the Department of Public Works had no objections, as there were no utilities on the parcel and no plans to add any. The motion passed smoothly, reflecting a collaborative effort among city departments.
The committee also addressed a request from tax collector Brenda Bazemann Adams to transfer stewardship of certain tax-deeded properties to the Parks and Recreation Division. This motion, too, received unanimous support, demonstrating a commitment to enhancing public spaces in the community.
As the meeting progressed, the committee moved into a non-public session to discuss property acquisitions and sales, a standard procedure to protect sensitive information. Upon returning to public session, Alderman Long proposed deeming a property at 49 West Street as surplus, allowing the tax collector to dispose of it with a recommended minimum bid. This motion was also approved, indicating a proactive approach to managing city assets.
With the agenda items addressed, the meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn, leaving the committee poised to continue its work in shaping Manchester's future. The decisions made during this session reflect a focused effort to manage city resources effectively, ensuring that Manchester remains a vibrant and well-planned community.