City seeking owners to Rochester's so-called 'orphan properties'

One of several 'orphan' properties where no known owner exists. (City of Rochester graphic)

ROCHESTER - The City of Rochester is working to determine ownership of several "orphan properties" with unknown owners.

According to City Attorney Terence O'Rourke, there are eight parcels for which the City of Rochester has no record of ownership. Click here to see a list of the properties in question.

"In 2019, pursuant to State law, the City began to send property tax bills for those parcels in the name of "Unknown Owner" to the Assessor's Office," said O'Rourke. "After three years, we are prepared to take the properties by Tax Deed."

However, following both New Hampshire and the United States Supreme Court guidance, the City of Rochester must make all reasonable efforts to discover if anyone does, in fact, has rights to the parcels.

"We're asking the community for any information regarding the ownership of these parcels," O'Rourke added. "Anyone with information should contact the City's Tax Collector immediately. We appreciate any and all help in this effort."

The Tax Collector's Office is located on the second floor of the James W. Foley Memorial Community Center at 150 Wakefield Street. To provide information, call (603) 332-1136 during regular business hours.