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Holy Cross says Rotman site is privately owned; council asks manager for report on keeping property on tax rolls
Summary
College official told the council the Rotman property is held by Madison Brussels LLC and is taxable; the council voted to ask the city manager to pursue a written agreement with Holy Cross and Madison Properties to preserve tax revenue on future development.
Sue Hunt, representing the College of the Holy Cross, told the council the recently acquired Rotman site is owned by Madison Brussels LLC, a for-profit entity, and the property is currently subject to taxation. Hunt said Holy Cross has generally paid taxes on most properties it holds and that, for a small subset of properties removed from the tax rolls, the college has made voluntary payments in lieu of taxes. She provided fiscal figures for the most recent year: Holy Cross paid about $276,000 in property taxes and an additional roughly $130,000 in voluntary contributions to the city in the previous fiscal year.
Councilors said they wanted a written report and asked the manager to reach out to Madison Properties and Holy Cross to develop an agreement that would keep 725 South Street (the former Rotman site) on the tax rolls at an appropriate level as the site is planned and developed. Councilor Russell and Mayor Petty stressed the importance of ensuring the property remains a taxable resource for the neighborhood.
City Manager Batista told the council Madison Properties acquired the site and that the manager—s office has been in conversation with Holy Cross. He said the developer currently owns the property and Holy Cross appears likely to be a tenant; the manager pledged to bring the council a report clarifying ownership, planned uses and options — including a potential pilot agreement — to keep tax revenue flowing to the city as the site develops.
Why it matters: The Rotman site is in an area of development interest and represents a sizable parcel that could materially affect the city—s property tax base depending on ownership and use. Councilors asked for clarity now to avoid future surprises and to preserve municipal revenue.
What happens next: The council sent an order to the city manager to meet with Holy Cross and Madison Properties and return with a report clarifying ownership, intended use, and options to retain tax revenue (including potential pilot agreements). The manager said he would report back to the council with details.
Sources: On-the-record remarks by Sue Hunt (College of the Holy Cross), City Manager Batista and roll-call approval to request a report to the manager.
