City holds second public auction, this time without controversy
May 11—WATERTOWN — The city didn't have any mishaps during a public auction of vacant lots on Tuesday night.
During the March 28 auction, the city sold 18 parcels without a hitch, but the successful bidder of seven of the properties immediately backed out of the transactions, leaving confusion, chaos and some angry bidders.
On Tuesday night, bidders successfully bid on nine of 11 parcels offered during the public auction. Two others were not sold.
City Comptroller James E. Mills was satisfied that it wasn't a repeat of the March 28 mess.
"The auction went smooth," he said afterward.
After the first auction, some bidders complained that bids were artificially high after landlord Meira M. Shapiro kept bidding and then abruptly decided she didn't want the properties.
City Council members made sure bidders got a fair shake this time.
The auction yielded $8,750 in bids through the nine properties.
To prevent another controversial outcome, Mr. Mills put together a brochure with a map and photo of the vacant lots so potential bidders understood what was offered.
Ms. Shapiro, who owns several rental properties in Watertown under the business The Triumph LLC, was "barred" from participating in the second auction.
The 11 properties that were auctioned are: 330 Brett St.; 330 Coffeen St.; VL Flower Ave. East; M24 Francis St.; VL Haven St.; 512 Jefferson St.; 428 Maple Ave.; 659 Olive St.; 39 Wise St.; 40 Wise St.; and VL-6 Rear Wyoming Ave.
VL Flower Ave. East and 659 Olive St. failed to be auctioned off.
City Council members are expected to vote on the successful bids Monday night. Four votes are needed to approve the bids.
