Torrington — The City Council moved to refer the proposed sale of 492 Prospect Street to the Planning & Zoning Commission for the mandatory Conn. Gen. Stat. §8-24 referral and separately authorized the mayor to proceed with sale negotiations if Planning & Zoning issues a favorable recommendation.

Jamie (city staff) told the council the property was taken in a blight foreclosure, ‘‘has been fully cleaned out’’ and is being recommended for sale via a request-for-proposals process. Jamie said cleanup costs were just under $25,000, funded through the bridal fund, and staff expects to recoup those costs when the property is sold. The referral to Planning & Zoning is required by Conn. Gen. Stat. §8-24 so the commission can opine whether the proposed sale complies with the city's plan of development.

Council discussed cleanup, title report and the RFP process; the council approved the referral and later approved a contingent authorization for the mayor to proceed with negotiations if Planning & Zoning returns a favorable recommendation. Councilman Cavanero and others asked for a broader presentation on the city’s blight program and costs at a future meeting.

Next steps: staff will send the §8-24 referral to Planning & Zoning, issue an RFP for sale, and return to council with the recommendation and any negotiated terms.