NORWICH – The city is seeking a buyer for the three-story commercial buildings occupying 42 and 44-46 North Broad St. and hopes for a new business to attract consumers in the area.

The properties have recently undergone tax foreclosure, forcing the buildings’ owner and previous tenants to relinquish the properties to the city. The city is now finishing the final paperwork to officially obtain the title for the 4,740 sq. ft. and 9,534 sq. ft. buildings. Both are in need of extensive rehabilitation, and the city aims to find a buyer with vision and the necessary resources to restore them.

“It has to be a commercial downstairs,” said City Mayor Joseph Maiurano, adding that the city is reluctant to sell the buildings to anyone without a tentative business plan. Current zoning laws allow for office or residential space on the second and third floors, but Maiurano said there is a need for a local business to be established on the first floor of the vacant buildings.

“If someone is making money, the community is making money,” he said. “Another business in that area would hopefully increase traffic,” he added, explaining that other businesses would also benefit from consumers drawn to the area. The city would also greatly benefit from the increased amount of sales tax, he said.