Selection of Appraisers

Selection of Appraisers

In September, 1959, the Danbury Redevelopment Agency announced that it was beginning the search for qualified appraisers for the downtown redevelopment project and expected to announce their decision quickly. However, it was not until January, 1960, when the U.S. Housing and Home Finance Agency, which had final approval authority over the selection process, announced the appointment of Karl Kaffenberger of Hartford and Robert Noce of Danbury to perform the appraisals. 

Kaffenberger had extensive experience as a real estate appraiser and had regularly performed appraisals for the state of Connecticut and for the Federal Housing Authority. He had recently completed appraisal work for the redevelopment agencies of both Torrington and East Granby, Connecticut.

Noce, owner of the Danbury firm of Robert N. Noce Associates, was also a recognized expert in the field. He had conducted all the appraisal work for the Connecticut Highway Department in support of the construction of the Yankee Expressway through Danbury (I-84). He was also a designated appraiser for the Veterans Administration and the Federal Housing Authority in Fairfield county.

The two men began their work immediately, with the expectation that the process would take at least several months.  When the appraisals were finished, and with the approval of the appropriate federal authorities, the Danbury Redevelopment Agency would begin the process of negotiating with owners for the acquisition of the affected properties.