§4754-A. First option to purchase surplus lands

All state agencies shall offer the Maine State Housing Authority the opportunity to purchase or otherwise acquire any land and improvements on the land or any structures determined to be surplus before the property may be offered for sale or transfer to any other state agency, community or other buyer or transferee. Notice of availability must be provided in writing to the Director of the Maine State Housing Authority.   [PL 1989, c. 914, §5 (NEW).]

1.  Notification of interest.  The Maine State Housing Authority shall advise the owner agency in writing of its interest in purchasing or otherwise acquiring the surplus land and any improvements on the land or surplus structures or of its decision not to purchase or otherwise acquire any such surplus property within 30 days of receipt of the notification by the Director of the Maine State Housing Authority.

[PL 1989, c. 914, §5 (NEW).]

2.  Purchase price.  If the Maine State Housing Authority offers to purchase the property, the purchase price must be determined as follows.

A. The current market value must be determined by an independent appraiser or by agreement between the Maine State Housing Authority and the owner agency. The Maine State Housing Authority and the owner agency then shall negotiate the ultimate purchase price in good faith in order to achieve the respective goals and mandates of the Maine State Housing Authority and the owner agency.   [PL 1989, c. 914, §5 (NEW).]

B. The purchase price may not exceed the current market value of the property as determined in paragraph A.   [PL 1989, c. 914, §5 (NEW).]

C. If title to the land or improvements carries a requirement that the property be sold at fair market value, then this requirement prevails over the terms of this subsection.   [PL 1989, c. 914, §5 (NEW).]

[PL 1989, c. 914, §5 (NEW).]

3.  Report.  The Maine State Housing Authority shall report to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over housing and economic development matters 90 days after the 2nd anniversary of the effective date of this section on state surplus land purchased under this section together with any recommendations for improvements.

[PL 1989, c. 914, §5 (NEW).]

If any land determined to be surplus is located in a community served by a local public housing authority, as defined in this Title, the Maine State Housing Authority shall offer the first option to purchase the parcel to the local public housing authority. The local public housing authority has 45 days to indicate in writing its desire to acquire the parcel. Other offers to purchase the parcel may not be considered until the 45-day period has passed.   [PL 1989, c. 914, §5 (NEW).]

SECTION HISTORY

PL 1989, c. 914, §5 (NEW).