Editorial Staff
On Jan. 30, 2018, a Tax Sale was held by the Town of Haddam in an effort to recoup back taxes owed to the town. Since there were no other bidders for the Higganum Cove property, after a six month wait, “the redemption period,” the Town of Haddam will be the official owner. During the next six months, “We are asking residents to stay off the property, as it is considered trespassing until the Town officially owns the property,” it says on the Town website. Trespassing could result in arrest and prosecution. The terms and conditions of the sale can be found at this website.
Tax Collector Kristin Battistoni conducted the tax sale of the property at 19 Nosal Road, known as the Higganum Cove, as scheduled at 11:00 a.m. on Jan. 30. After reading the terms and conditions of the sale, Attorney John Watts announced that the only bidder who had registered was the Town of Haddam. On behalf of the Town, Ms. Battistoni made the required minimum bid, which was $101,969.90. This amount included taxes which were due, accrued interest, lien fees, attorneys’ fees, and auction expenses. This brings to conclusion a saga which has gone on for more than a decade and had generated much speculation on social media in recent months.
“It has been a long road, but I am very happy to have played a part in acquiring this property for the residents and future of Haddam,” said Tax Collector Kristin Battistoni.
Because the Town will be the owner of the property, neither the State of Connecticut or the DEEP will put liens on the property to recoup their remediation costs, which is good news for Haddam. There were questions when the tax sale was first proposed whether it was the right way to go about acquiring the property, but it went off without a hitch.
“I am thrilled that the result that the town wanted was achieved today,” said First Selectman Lizz Milardo. “Thanks to our Tax Collector, Kristin Battistoni, and advice from Attorney Watts, this was the best, quickest and most inexpensive way to provide the Town with this result.”
