Source: United States General Services Administration
May 31, 2023
BOSTON – Today, the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) has issued a Notice of Availability for the Lynde Point Lighthouse in Old Saybrook, Connecticut. The historic lighthouse is available at no cost to eligible entities as part of a federal disposal program enabled by the National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act (NHLPA) of 2000. This is one of a record number of lighthouses being offered in 2023 to government agencies, nonprofits, and the public via auction.
Under the NHLPA, a property that has been determined to exceed the needs of the U.S. Coast Guard (USGC) is made available at no cost to eligible entities defined as:
- Federal agencies
- State and local agencies
- Nonprofit organizations
- Educational agencies or community development organizations for educational purposes
- Park, recreational, cultural, or historic preservation purposes
Each year, GSA, in conjunction with the USCG, Department of Homeland Security, and the National Park Service (NPS), issues Notices of Availability for historic light stations as part of the NHLPA. Under the NHLPA, the property may be obtained for educational, park, recreational, cultural, or historic preservation purposes.
The Lynde Point Lighthouse is a white wood-framed lighthouse erected in 1838 sits at the entrance to the Connecticut River in Old Saybrook along the coast of the Long Island Sound. It is located in the Fenwick Borough of Old Saybrook.
The lighthouse was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1989. The octagonal structure is capped with a cylindrical gray cast-iron lantern, topped by an arched “ogee” iron roof. The tower height is 65 feet.
The one-acre property also includes a two-story duplex residence with three-bedrooms in each unit and a 1.5-story two-car garage, both built in 1970.
The property is accessible via an easement over Sequassen Avenue which is a private way. The property is protected by a seawall of large-coursed stone blocks.
For complete details on the property, including conditions, range of possible uses, commercial activities, utilities, etc. eligible entities can review the Notice of Availability.
Any eligible entity with an interest in acquiring the property for a use consistent with the purposes stated above should submit a letter of interest to the address below within 60 (sixty) days from the date of this notice.
Letters of interest should include:
- Name of property
- Name of eligible entity
- Point of contact, title, address, phone and email
- Non-profit agencies must provide a copy of their state-certified articles of incorporation before the end of the 60-day Notice period.
Eligible entities that submit a letter of interest will be sent an application from the NPS and given an opportunity to inspect the property. Building inspectors and/or contractors may accompany the applicant on the inspection. The application is due within 90 days from the date of the site inspection.
NPS will review all applications and may recommend one applicant to receive the property. If a recommendation is made, GSA will complete the conveyance to the selected entity with a Quitclaim Deed. Pursuant to Section 305106 of the NHLPA, the property will be sold if it is not transferred to a public body or non-profit organization.
Letters of interest should be directed to:
U.S. General Services Administration
Real Property Utilization and Disposal Division
10 Causeway Street – 11th Floor
Boston, MA 02222
Attention: Sonia Allon-Singh (sonia.allon-singh@gsa.gov)
GSA’s New England Region Real Property Utilization and Disposal Division provides realty services to federal agencies throughout the region, as well as in New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
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About GSA:
GSA provides centralized procurement and shared services for the Federal Government, managing a nationwide real estate portfolio of nearly 370 million rentable square feet, overseeing approximately $75 billion in annual contracts, and delivering technology services that serve millions of people across dozens of Federal agencies. GSA’s mission is to deliver the best customer experience and value in real estate, acquisition, and technology services to the government and the American people. For more information, visit GSA.gov and follow us at @USGSA.