NORWICH, CT — The Norwich City Council voted 5-2 on Sept. 8 to establish a tax abatement program intended to encourage rehabilitation of low- and moderate-income housing, following a public hearing that drew residents both supporting and opposing the measure.
The council also unanimously authorized a Dec. 4 auction of more than two dozen city-owned properties and approved the transfer of nearly 39 acres of open space to the Avalonia Land Conservancy.
The housing ordinance allows property owners and nonprofit or for-profit developers to apply for partial or full real estate tax abatements for housing used solely by low- or moderate-income residents. The stated purpose is to promote rehabilitation of existing low- or moderate-income properties in Norwich. The city subsequently published a notice confirming passage of Ordinance 1890.
Under the ordinance, the city manager may enter into a housing agreement after approval by the City Council. Money equivalent to the taxes abated must be used for purposes including reducing rents, improving the housing or providing related facilities or services.
Applications will go through the tax assessor. The assessor and comptroller must determine whether a property qualifies and make a recommendation to the council.
A public hearing before the vote included competing views. Developer Mikhael Abebe supported the measure, saying both the public and private sectors have an obligation to address affordable housing. Residents including Rodney Bowie, Rob Dempsky and Matt Simpson opposed the ordinance, raising concerns about Norwich's existing amount of affordable housing and the effect of abatements on other taxpayers.
David Horst supported the ordinance, saying low-income housing is important and the measure could improve the quality of affordable housing. Other speakers also argued that affordable housing is needed for lower-income residents and seniors.
The ordinance passed 5-2, with aldermen Bill Nash and Peter Nystrom opposed.
The council unanimously authorized the tax collector to offer a group of city-owned properties at a public auction Dec. 4.
The properties had been reviewed by city departments between May 2025 and May 2026, and the council's Public Works and Capital Improvements Committee recommended auctioning them after previous efforts to dispose of them through other methods.
Properties on the auction list include parcels on Baltic Road, West Thames Street, Railroad Avenue, Talman Street, Canterbury Turnpike, Sunrise Street, East Pratte Avenue, Laporte Drive and Sturtevant Street.
The list continues with properties in the McKay Street area and on Mohegan Road, New London Turnpike, Lafayette Street, Vine Street, Seventh Street, Newton Street, Fairmount Street, John Street, Oak Street, West Thames Street, Sunnyside Avenue, North Main Street, Laurel Hill Road and Palmer Extension.
The auction is scheduled for 10 a.m. Dec. 4 in Room 335 at Norwich City Hall, 100 Broadway. The resolution authorizes City Manager John Salomone to accept a successful bid of no less than 20 percent below the listed starting bid for each property.
The council also unanimously authorized Salomone to transfer approximately 38.79 acres of open space to Avalonia Land Conservancy.
The property consists of approximately 25.05 acres associated with a Norwich Community Development Corp. subdivision along Canterbury Turnpike and approximately 13.77 acres associated with an Addition Open Space subdivision. The Commission on the City Plan had approved transferring the properties to Avalonia, according to the resolution.
Several residents spoke in support of the transfer. Bob Phoenix said the industrial park would generate more taxes than would be lost by taking the property off the tax rolls, while Elanah Sherman said the land had been set aside for open space. Claire Bessette called the property an asset, and Kevin Brown said it would provide a buffer for neighboring properties and opportunities for recreation and education.
Other speakers questioned the proposal. Rodney Bowie pointed to other open space already available in Norwich, while Marcia Wilbur asked why the land could not instead become a city park.
The council voted 4-2 on another property matter involving the Connecticut Department of Transportation's acquisition of a portion of city-owned property at 256 Dunham Street.
The acquisition involves approximately 1,119 square feet needed for state transportation improvements. The council amended the resolution 6-0 before approving it 4-2, with Nash and Nystrom opposed. President Pro Tem DeLucia recused himself from the matter.
The council also unanimously approved merging two city-owned Central Avenue parcels and took unanimous action on several other property and appointment matters.
City Manager John Salomone reported that Norwich Human Services helped 11 households avoid homelessness and four households avoid utility shutoffs during August. The department also enrolled three people in job-training programs and connected 180 people seeking various forms of assistance with services.
The Senior Center distributed 442 farmers market vouchers worth a combined $17,680.
The council met in Council Chambers at City Hall and adjourned unanimously at 8:58 p.m.
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