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July 02, 2008, 09:00 AM ET
Mayor Criticizes Boston College's Expansion Plans
The Boston Globe reports today that Boston’s mayor, Thomas M. Menino, has assailed Boston College’s plan to expand into the Brighton neighborhood, where the university plans to occupy land once owned by the Boston Archdiocese.
In the article, the mayor singled out the university’s plan to buy a high-rise apartment to convert to student residences. “I want them to build on the campus they have right now, not buy up property and turn it into a dormitory,” he told the Globe. “I think they can find the room and come up with a plan that will have the least impact on the neighborhood.” The mayor also criticized the college’s approach to the expansion, which he characterized as confrontational and divisive.
The mayor’s comments are bad news for the college. Its plans are under review by the Boston Redevelopment Authority; four of the five members on that board were appointed by Mr. Menino.
The Globe also recently reported that the City of Newton may try to get more money out of the college as it expands. “Newton is facing $12-million in budget cuts for next fiscal year and a deficit that’s expected to grow,” the Globe said. “Boston College, which occupies three campuses on 223 acres in Newton and Brighton, pays Newton $100,000 a year in lieu of property taxes, plus a varying amount in contributions to local nonprofit organizations. Last year, the total paid by the college was in excess of $119,000.”
A spokesman for the university said the current payment is “appropriate.”
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