(6/20) Carroll Valley Borough Council could boost the government’s coffers by selling many borough-owned lots that are peppered throughout the southwestern Adams County municipality. The move, however, could prove costly for citizens’ quality of life, Councilwoman Kari Butterbaugh warned during the June council meeting.
"I just think this whole thing is crazy for the people for the people of Carroll Valley," Butterbaugh said.
The borough owns many parcels that were part of the ill-fated mid-20th century Charnita development that led to the borough's creation in the 1970s. Residents have often shown interest in owning some of the properties. Butterbaugh noted she has lived in Carroll Valley for about 25 years and was always told the borough would never sell them.
Pennsylvania law states any property the borough wishes to sell that is appraised at more than $6,000 must be sold through a public bidding process. The borough also must sell the lots at least their appraised value, Solicitor Zachary Rice said.
Butterbaugh proposed giving Carroll Valley citizens the right of first refusal if the borough decides to sell the lots. Rice said that action would violate the law.
Butterbaugh fears developers will purchase all of the lots and build homes. Such a move would forever change the look of the resort-like community, Butterbaugh warned.
"If you have a lot next to you, and the borough owns it, you are now going to have to compete against other people," Butterbaugh told citizens in attendance.
Councilman David Lillard acknowledged Butterbaugh’s concern and asked if the Council could poll citizens to gauge their interest in the borough selling the lots. Rice said such action is not only a good idea, but required by law.
Whether houses can be built on the lots is currently unknown. Council President Richard Mathews questioned if the borough would be required to perform a perc test on the lots before selling them. A perc test determines if a lot’s soil will absorb water at the necessary rate. If a perc test fails, a septic system cannot be installed on the property.
Rice said the Pennsylvania borough code does not mandate a perc test but an appraiser may since the land’s value will fluctuate depending on the test’s results. Rice advised the Council to create a policy outlining the necessary steps to sell a borough-owned lot before it is placed on the market.
Council took no action on the matter but agreed further discussion is necessary.
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