To sell or not to sell?

It’s only a small piece of land off in a corner of the former Village of Colborne, but it is causing considerable discussion at Cramahe Council.

The subject property at the corner of Earl and Victoria Street came up for tax sale last fall but was not sold. A late bidder expressed interest in the property but did not submit a bid at the December deadline, and council has been struggling ever since with how to proceed.

The potential buyer, Mr. Wayne Patrick, approached the township on December 15 about buying it. For him to do so now, the township would have to declare the land surplus to needs, obtain at least one appraisal of fair market value, and give notice to the public regarding the proposed sale.

The township has a statement from George Boycott recommending it be listed for $20,000. Mr. Patrick is not interested in it at that price.

Councillor Pat Westrope wanted assurance that township policies be followed, and Deputy Mayor Jim Williams agreed but suggested that the appraiser not necessarily be certified.

Councillor Ed Van Egmond wondered if the property might be suitable for Habitat for Humanity to build a home.

Mayor Coombs replied that it was not.

At the regular meeting on February 2, council decided to get two written appraisals and put the land up for sale. It must get $10,841.13 to pay off all taxes owing. Of that total, $3,227.39 must be forwarded to other levels of government.