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Rep. Scanlon proposes local option vacancy tax for underused malls to encourage reuse or conversion

5463345 · July 15, 2025
AI-Generated Content: All content on this page was generated by AI to highlight key points from the meeting. For complete details and context, we recommend watching the full video. so we can fix them.

Summary

Representative Scanlon told the Joint Committee that H.3240 would give municipalities an optional tool to levy a vacancy tax on shopping malls that have been more than 33% vacant for nine months, offering a local mechanism to incentivize owners to reinvest or allow conversion to housing and civic uses.

Representative Scanlon asked the Joint Committee on Revenue to consider H.3240, a local‑option bill that would allow municipalities to levy a vacancy tax on shopping malls that are persistently underfilled.

Scanlon described his experience with the Emerald Square Mall in North Attleborough, where long‑term vacancy (peaks of roughly 65% vacancy) and deferred maintenance have led…

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