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TOWN OF NEWTOWN
OFFICE OF THE ASSESSOR
BOARD OF ASSESSMENT APPEALS
MINUTES
MARCH 29, 2011 @ 6:00 PM
NEWTOWN MUNICIPAL CENTER
3 PRIMROSE STREET
NEWTOWN, CT 06470
PRESENT: CHARLES V. FRAMULARO JR., MARIANNE BROWN, & JOHN GODIN
ALSO PRESENT: CHRIS KELSEY & PENNY MUDGETT
1. Richard Barillari
Date: 3/29/11
Property Location/Description being appealed: 64 Watkins Drive, Sandy Hook, CT,
06482
Reason for Appeal: Believes unit is over assessed based on other units within the complex.
Board Discussion/Resolution: Approved. -5% obsolescence on inside units only.
2010 Original Property Assessment: $400,810
2010 Revised Property Assessment: $379,020
Date: 3/29/11
Property Location/Description being appealed: 58 Watkins Drive, Sandy Hook, CT, 06482
Reason for Appeal: Believes unit is over assessed based on other units within the complex.
Board Discussion/Resolution: Denied. Outside unit.
3. Bernard & Sharon Cohen
Date: 3/29/11
Property Location/Description being appealed: 52 Watkins Drive, Sandy Hook, CT, 06482
Reason for Appeal: Believes unit is over assessed based on other units within the complex.
Board Discussion/Resolution: Denied. Outside unit.
4. Irving Freedman
Date: 3/29/11
Property Location/Description being appealed: 66 Watkins Drive, Sandy Hook, CT, 06482
Reason for Appeal: Believes unit is over assessed based on other units within the complex.
Board Discussion/Resolution:
2010 Original Property Assessment: $370,370
2010 Revised Property Assessment: $392,940
5. Rudy & Maria Magnan
Date: 3/29/11
Property Location/Description being appealed: 60 Watkins Drive, Sandy Hook, CT, 06482
Reason for Appeal: Believes unit is over assessed based on other units within the complex.
Board Discussion/Resolution: Denied. Outside unit.
6. Generosa Murphy
Date: 3/29/11
Property Location/Description being appealed: 62 Watkins Drive, Sandy Hook, CT, 06482
Reason for Appeal: Believes unit is over assessed based on other units within the complex.
Board Discussion/Resolution: Approved. -5% obsolescence on inside units only.
2010 Original Property Assessment: $321,530
2010 Revised Property Assessment: $304,494
7. Vincent & Mary O’Donnell
Date: 3/29/11
Property Location/Description being appealed: 54 Watkins Drive, Sandy Hook, CT, 06482
Reason for Appeal: Believes unit is over assessed based on other units within the complex.
Board Discussion/Resolution: Approved. -5% obsolescence on inside units only.
2010 Original Property Assessment: $383,110
2010 Revised Property Assessment: $362,420
8. Tara Vincenta
Date: 3/29/11
Property Location/Description being appealed: 56 Watkins Drive, Sandy Hook, CT, 06482
Reason for Appeal: Believes unit is over assessed based on other units within the complex.
Board Discussion/Resolution: Approved. -5% obsolescence on inside units only.
2010 Original Property Assessment: $415,240
2010 Revised Property Assessment: $392,685
9. Justin Birtwell
Date: 3/29/11
Property Location/Description being appealed: 6 Lester Road, Sandy Hook, CT, 06482
Reason for Appeal: Believes property value is over assessed based on purchase price and
comparables. Property also has limited use due to topography and hilly terrain. Lester road is
a dirt road which creates problems throughout the year, and deters buyers from the property.
Board Discussion/Resolution: Approved. Reduce FMV to $425,000 based on purchase
purchase price.
2010 Original Property Assessment: $371,700
2010 Revised Property Assessment: $297,500
Date: 3/29/11
Property Location/Description being appealed: 30 Philo Curtis Road, Sandy Hook, CT, 06482
Reason for Appeal: Believes property assessment is too high based on comparables.
Board Discussion/Resolution: Denied.
Date: 3/29/11
Property Location/Description being appealed: 32 Still Hill Road, Sandy Hook, CT, 06482
Reason for Appeal: Assessment is too high based on current market values.
Board Discussion/Resolution: Approved. Change +5% topography to -5% topography, and go back (3) years.
2010 Original Property Assessment: $382,220
2010 Revised Property Assessment: $363,040
Date: 3/29/11
Property Location/Description being appealed: 4 Driftway Drive, Newtown, CT, 06470
Reason for Appeal: Believes property is over assessed based on appraisal. Property devalued due to location of cell tower and adjoining buildings on property adjacent to our property.
Board Discussion/Resolution: Approved. Reduce FMV to $400,000 based on appraisal.
2010 Original Property Assessment: $322,800
2010 Revised Property Assessment: $280,000
Date: 3/29/11
Property Location/Description being appealed: 68 Toddy Hill Road, Sandy Hook, CT, 06482
Reason for Appeal: Believes property is overvalued. Property is located on Toddy Hill which is a high traffic area.
Board Discussion/Resolution: Approved. -5% Traffic.
2010 Original Property Assessment: $248,170
2010 Revised Property Assessment: $240,620
14. Ona Cummings
Date: 3/29/11
Property Location/Description being appealed: 55 Sugar Street Unit 3, Newtown, CT,
06470
Reason for Appeal: Believes assessment is too high based on condition of the property.
Mobile home is condemned and uninhabitable. The owner of the mobile home park refuses
to remove trailer because it is an extreme safety hazard.
Board Discussion/Resolution: Approved. Reduce FMV to zero.
2010 Original Property Assessment: $24,830
2010 Revised Property Assessment: $0
15. Susan Doyle
Date: 3/29/11
Property Location/Description being appealed: 75 Toddy Hill Road, Sandy Hook, CT,
06482
Reason for Appeal: Believes assessment is excessive based on location. Highly traveled area
which creates lots of noise.
Board Discussion/Resolution: Approved. -10% Traffic.
2010 Original Property Assessment: $247,280
2010 Revised Property Assessment: $232,200
Date: 3/29/11
Property Location/Description being appealed: 32 Winton Farm Road, Newtown, CT, 06470
Reason for Appeal: Believes property assessment is extremely excessive considering the discrepancies on the field card, and comparable properties in the same neighborhood. The house is not 100% complete yet, and no CO has been issued from the building department. Field card states the wrong square footage, lists a half bath that does not exist, and lists a 3 car garage when in reality it is a 2 car garage. Also, have topography issues with the property it is a sloping lot with no real yard.
Board Discussion/Resolution: Approved. Correct square footage to reflect actual living area. -5% Topography. Change FMV to $797,118.
2010 Original Property Assessment: $559,320
2010 Revised Property Assessment: $557,980
Date: 3/29/11
Property Location/Description being appealed: 150 Berkshire Road, Sandy Hook, CT, 06482
Reason for Appeal: Believes assessment is too high based on appraisal and purchase price of the property.
Board Discussion/Resolution: Denied.
Date: 3/29/11
Property Location/Description being appealed: 34 Equestrian Ridge Road, Newtown, CT, 06470
Reason for Appeal: Excessive wetland on the property about 30% of the property is unusable.
Board Discussion/Resolution: Denied.
Date: 3/29/11
Property Location/Description being appealed: 112 Toddy Hill Road, Sandy Hook, CT, 06482
Reason for Appeal: Appealing assessment of the detached garage due to inaccurate date. The upper level is an unfinished storage area, not an apartment. There is no heat and no plumbing/water supply. There is no bathroom and no carpet. The house has also been a continual problem with water in the basement despite the installation of two sump pumps. There is also an unfinished master bathroom on the upper level. House is located on Toddy Hill which is a highly traveled road which creates a lot of traffic noise.
Board Discussion/Resolution: Approved. -5% Traffic.
2010 Original Property Assessment: $528,887
2010 Revised Property Assessment: $521,360
Date: 3/29/11
Property Location/Description being appealed: 32 Yogananda Street, Sandy Hook, CT, 06482
Reason for Appeal: Appraised value of our property is much higher than current fair market value. We purchased the property on 11/25/09 for $573,000 but it is currently appraised much higher. Also, the fair market value has decreased further since our purchase, and we are requesting the board kindly reconsider the appraised value.
Board Discussion/Resolution: Denied.
Date: 3/29/11
Property Location/Description being appealed: 125 Poverty Hollow Road, Newtown, CT, 06470
Reason for Appeal: Believes property is over assessed based on comparable properties in the area.
Board Discussion/Resolution: Approved. Change FMV to $625,141 based on an average of $187/sqft using comparable properties.
2010 Original Property Assessment: $505,020
2010 Revised Property Assessment: $437,599
Date: 3/29/11
Property Location/Description being appealed: 6 Still Hill Road, Sandy Hook, CT, 06482
Reason for Appeal: Believes property is overvalued based on the condition of the property. Built house in the 1950’s with buckling floors, wet basement, and a flat roof which creates its own problems. No adjustments on property for power lines and topography.
Board Discussion/Resolution: Approved. Change condition of the house from average to fair. Change +10% Power Lines to -10% Power Lines and go back 3 years.
2010 Original Property Assessment: $374,800
2010 Revised Property Assessment: $320,560
Date: 3/29/11
Property Location/Description being appealed: 97 Toddy Hill Road, Sandy Hook, CT, 06482
Reason for Appeal: Believes property value is excessive due to the fact it is vacant land with various easements which devalue the property significantly.
Board Discussion/Resolution: Approved. Revert acreage back to forest land with agreement that state forester will be qualifying land as forest land by 10/1/11.
2010 Original Property Assessment: $188,530
2010 Revised Property Assessment: $660
Date: 3/29/11
Property Location/Description being appealed: 99 Toddy Hill Road, Sandy Hook, CT, 06482
Reason for Appeal: Believes property value is excessive due to the fact it is vacant land with various easements which devalue the property significantly.
Board Discussion/Resolution: Approved. Revert acreage back to forest land with agreement that state forester will be qualifying land as forest land by 10/1/11.
2010 Original Property Assessment: $369,950
2010 Revised Property Assessment: $3,270
Date: 3/29/11
Property Location/Description being appealed: 3 Morgan Drive, Sandy Hook, CT, 06482
Reason for Appeal: Believes property is over assessed based on the condition of the house and comparables. The house has not been renovated and is in very poor condition.
Board Discussion/Resolution: Approved. Change condition of the house from fair to poor.
2010 Original Property Assessment: $251,540
2010 Revised Property Assessment: $249,170
Date: 3/29/11
Property Location/Description being appealed: 24 Greenleaf Farms Road, Newtown, CT, 06470
Reason for Appeal: Over appraised based on field card discrepancies. Number of bathrooms shows as 4.5 when there is only 4.0 baths. We are also in the process of reducing it to 3.0 baths. Property is surrounded by wetlands and Newtown Forestry. A good portion of the perimeter of the property is unusable. Similar homes sold in the area show that the assessed value is inflated. The home was purchased in 2009 for $575,000 and the current appraised value is $886,690.
Board Discussion/Resolution: Approved. -5% Topography. Charles Framularo recused from Board decision.
2010 Original Property Assessment: $620,680
2010 Revised Property Assessment: $604,850
Date: 3/29/11
Property Location/Description being appealed: 17 Whippoorwill Hill Road, Newtown, CT, 06470
Reason for Appeal: Assessment increase seems excessive due to zone change. Value is not in line with other properties in the neighborhood. Vacant piece of land.
Board Discussion/Resolution: Approved. -10% Vacancy.
2010 Original Property Assessment: $150,750
2010 Revised Property Assessment: $135,680
Date: 3/29/11
Property Location/Description being appealed: 22 Nearbrook Drive, Newtown, CT, 06470
Reason for Appeal: Value of land is excessive compared to neighboring properties and their price per square foot on land value.
Board Discussion/Resolution: Approved. -10% Obsolescence on land only.
2010 Original Property Assessment: $395,920
2010 Revised Property Assessment: $380,870
Date: 3/29/11
Property Location/Description being appealed: 26 Still Hill Road, Newtown, CT, 06470
Reason for Appeal: Believes property is over assessed based on the condition of the land. Property is all ledge with major topography issues. Postage stamp yard. Rest of the land is unusable.
Board Discussion/Resolution: Approved. Change -15% Topography to -20% Topography.
2010 Original Property Assessment: $343,940
2010 Revised Property Assessment: $334,940
Date: 3/29/11
Property Location/Description being appealed: 116 Brushy Hill Road, Newtown, CT, 06470
Reason for Appeal: Property is overvalued based on discrepancies on field card. Field card states the wrong square footage, and some livable area is listed as the main house when in fact it is an enclosed porch. Land value seems excessive as well.
Board Discussion/Resolution: Approved. Inspection needed. Penny Mudgett, Deputy Assessor inspected property that night. Correct square footage and land value. Change appropriate livable area to enclosed porch.
2010 Original Property Assessment: $697,700
2010 Revised Property Assessment: $693,842
Date: 3/29/11
Property Location/Description being appealed: 56 Cobblers Mill Road, Sandy Hook, CT, 06482
Reason for Appeal: Believes house is over assessed based on comparables.
Board Discussion/Resolution: Denied.
Date: 3/29/11
Property Location/Description being appealed: 17 Serene Way, Newtown, CT, 06470
Reason for Appeal: Assessment on house seems excessive compared to neighboring properties. Third floor listed as complete, but in reality it is unfinished.
Board Discussion/Resolution: Approved. Change third floor to 40% complete for 2010.
2010 Original Property Assessment: $945,000
2010 Revised Property Assessment: $863,590
Date: 3/29/11
Property Location/Description being appealed: 216 South Main Street, Newtown, CT, 06470
Reason for Appeal: Property is over assessed based on appraisal dated October 1, 2007. The house is located right off of route 25 which creates lots of traffic and noise. House has also had no renovations and is very outdated.
Board Discussion/Resolution: Approved. Change house condition from average to fair & -10% Traffic.
2010 Original Property Assessment: $274,620
2010 Revised Property Assessment: $262,480
Date: 3/29/11
Property Location/Description being appealed: 22 Meridian Ridge Drive, Newtown, CT, 06470
Reason for Appeal: Value too high on property due to the close proximity to I-84. Visual & noise issues. Vacant piece of land.
Board Discussion/Resolution: Approved. -10% Traffic.
2010 Original Property Assessment: $177,440
2010 Revised Property Assessment: $159,700
Date: 3/29/11
Property Location/Description being appealed: 24 Meridian Ridge Drive, Newtown, CT, 06470
Reason for Appeal: Value too high on property due to the close proximity to I-84. Visual & noise issues. Vacant piece of land.
Board Discussion/Resolution: Approved. -10% Traffic.
2010 Original Property Assessment: $178,500
2010 Revised Property Assessment: $160,650
Date: 3/29/11
Property Location/Description being appealed: 25 Meridian Ridge Drive, Newtown, CT, 06470
Reason for Appeal: Value too high on property due to the close proximity to I-84. Visual & noise issues. Vacant piece of land. This piece has a cell tower located on the property which deters potential buyers.
Board Discussion/Resolution: Approved. -10% Traffic & -10% for the cell tower.
2010 Original Property Assessment: $162,180
2010 Revised Property Assessment: $144,160
Date: 3/29/11
Property Location/Description being appealed: 26 Meridian Ridge Drive, Newtown, CT, 06470
Reason for Appeal: Value too high on property due to the close proximity to I-84. Visual & noise issues. Vacant piece of land.
Board Discussion/Resolution: Approved. -10% Traffic.
2010 Original Property Assessment: $177,250
2010 Revised Property Assessment: $159,530
Date: 3/29/11
Property Location/Description being appealed: 1 Steck Drive, Newtown, CT, 06470
Reason for Appeal: Believes property is over assessed based on the condition of the property. House is very outdated and needs a lot of work. Drainage system in poor condition which creates flooding problems in the basement. Property is run down.
Board Discussion/Resolution: Approved. Change the condition of the house from average to fair.
2010 Original Property Assessment: $367,340
2010 Revised Property Assessment: $352,750
Date: 3/29/11
Property Location/Description being appealed: 11 Galilee Way, Newtown, CT, 06470
Reason for Appeal: Believes property is over assessed based on comparables.
Board Discussion/Resolution: Denied.
Date: 3/29/11
Property Location/Description being appealed: 255 South Main Street, Newtown, CT, 06470
Reason for Appeal: This parcel does not exist it was merged with 259 South Main Street. Double taxed.
Board Discussion/Resolution: Approved. Delete parcel see 259 South Main Street.
2010 Original Property Assessment: $207,800
2010 Revised Property Assessment: $0
Date: 3/29/11
Property Location/Description being appealed: 259 South Main Street, Newtown, CT, 06470
Reason for Appeal: Overvalued based on comparables.
Board Discussion/Resolution: Denied.
Date: 3/29/11
Property Location/Description being appealed: 56 Birch Hill Road, Newtown, CT, 06470
Reason for Appeal: Believes property is over assessed based on comparables and discrepancies on the field card. House is outdated and needs improvement, and field card states 2 full baths but in actuality it is 1.5 baths.
Board Discussion/Resolution: Approved. Change the condition of the house from good to fair. Change bathroom count from 2 full to 1.5 baths.
2010 Original Property Assessment: $245,330
2010 Revised Property Assessment: $240,790
Date: 3/29/11
Property Location/Description being appealed: 106 Berkshire Road, Sandy Hook, CT, 06482
Reason for Appeal: Field card states a shed on the property, but it no longer exist on the property.
Board Discussion/Resolution: Approved. Remove the shed from the field card.
2010 Original Property Assessment: $264,860
2010 Revised Property Assessment: $263,750
Date: 3/29/11
Property Location/Description being appealed: Churchill Construction Materials LLC
Reason for Appeal: Forgot to fill out Personal Property Declaration and business assets were over assessed. Have one machine which was purchased for $13,500.
Board Discussion/Resolution: Approved. Reduce FMV to $13,500 based on bill of sale.
2010 Original Property Assessment: $83,130
2010 Revised Property Assessment: $11,230
Date: 3/29/11
Property Location/Description being appealed: DC Design
Reason for Appeal: Forgot to fill out Personal Property Declaration and business assets were over assessed. Business closed in 2011 as well.
Board Discussion/Resolution: Approved. Reduce FMV to $150.
2010 Original Property Assessment: $1,830
2010 Revised Property Assessment: $130
Date: 3/29/11
Property Location/Description being appealed: Orchard Hill Landscaping LLC
Reason for Appeal: Forgot to fill out Personal Property Declaration and business assets were over assessed. No longer in business for 2011.
Board Discussion/Resolution: Approved. Owner provided declaration use values.
2010 Original Property Assessment: $4,630
2010 Revised Property Assessment: $350
Date: 3/29/11
Property Location/Description being appealed: 211 Berkshire Road, Sandy Hook, CT, 06482
Board Discussion/Resolution: Appellant did not show.
Date: 3/29/11
Property Location/Description being appealed: 15 Commerce Road, Sandy Hook, CT, 06482
Board Discussion/Resolution: Appellant did not show.
Date: 3/29/11
Property Location/Description being appealed: 5 Sutherland Drive, Sandy Hook, CT, 06482
Board Discussion/Resolution: Appellant did not show.
Date: 3/29/11
Property Location/Description being appealed: 4 Willow Brook Lane, Newtown, CT, 06470
Board Discussion/Resolution: Appellant did not show.
Date: 3/29/11
Property Location/Description being appealed: 89 Toddy Hill Road, Sandy Hook, CT, 06482
Board Discussion/Resolution: Appellant did not show.
Date: 3/29/11
Property Location/Description being appealed: 141 Boggs Hill Road, Newtown, CT, 06470
Board Discussion/Resolution: Appellant did not show.
- CIT Technology Financing Services Inc.
Date: 3/29/11
Property Location/Description being appealed: CIT Technology Financing Services Inc.
Board Discussion/Resolution: Appellant did not show.
Board of Assessment Appeals adjourned at 10:00 PM
Mindy Kovack, Clerk
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