Patrick Conley, Esquire v. Crown Realty, LLC, Brenco Realty, LLC, Town of North Providence

Syllabus

Crown Realty, LLC appealed from a decree foreclosing its right of redemption with respect to property located on Tag Drive in North Providence. The Supreme Court held that, because Crown Realty did not respond by the return date and provided no justification for its failure, Crown Realty was in default under G.L. 1956 § 44-9-29 and its right of redemption was foreclosed by virtue of § 44-9-30. The Court further rejected Crown Realty's assertion that an implied-in-fact contract existed between it and the foreclosing party that would entitle Crown Realty to the property, declining Crown Realty's invitation to graft contract principles onto the strict and complex statutory framework governing tax sales. The Court also determined that, even if an offer existed, there was no mutual agreement. As to Crown Realty's estoppel argument, the Court found it had no merit. The Court therefore affirmed the decree of the Superior Court.