WESTPORT, Conn. – In the coming weeks, Westport will find out just how much the 23 acres of town-owned land it purchased in 1999 for $7 million is worth. The property, known as Baron's South, is set to be evaluated by a real estate appraisal and consulting firm in Cheshire.

On Wednesday night, the Board of Finance unanimously approved an appropriation of $15,000 requested by First Selectman Gordon Joseloff for the appraisal, to be conducted by Wellspeak Dugas & Kane.

The Baron's South property is currently being eyed for the development of a senior housing complex, a proposal driven by Joseloff and Selectwoman Shelly Kassen. In December, the town issued a Request for Proposal, or RFP, seeking bids from developers interested in the project. Developers have until March 30 to submit their ideas.

Through the appraisal, town officials will learn what the market value of the property is. This, Joseloff said, will better enable the town to evaluate bids because there will be "complete transparency."

Board of Finance Chairman Avi Kaner agreed. "The results of the appraisal should not only help the Board of Finance in its evaluation, but the results will also help Baron's South committee assess the submitted proposals."

The results of the appraisal will also help the town determine if the proposed housing complex is the best use of the property, as it will help quantify the land in terms of projected additional tax revenues, Kaner said.

Board member Mike Rea, who also chairs the board's Revenue Enhancement Committee, agreed, saying information gained from the appraisal can only benefit the town.

"By requesting this appraisal, we're seeking to provide additional data to allow for more meaningful and transparent discussions based on fact rather than random disagreements and opinions," said Rea. "This fact-finding will guide us in making a decision that is hoped to maximize the benefit to Westport taxpayers both qualitatively and financially."