The Planning Board has approved plans for a 21-home development on 1.967 acres that once held a car dealership, and which City Council wants to buy for public use.
Owned by Jerry and Harry Klause of Klause Enterprises, the L-shaped property’s future has been a source of debate in town since last year, when council moved to buy it for $9 million. The local civic watchdog group Fairness in Taxes petitioned for a referendum on the city buying the lot for that amount, which it felt was too high, and the sales agreement was terminated.
In August, the city passed an ordinance to negotiate buying the property and other smaller parcels that make up the block between 16th and 17th streets and Haven and Simpson avenues. No sales amount has been publicly discussed.