City Councilors Oppose City Seizure of Land

A number of city councilors have come out against the seizure, contending that it was done so the BRA would be able to dictate the terms of the sale and how the proceeds would be spent. The mayor here appoints the director of the BRA and that has left some members of the city council with the feeling that that appointment provides the mayor with too much control over the BRA.

A representative from Councilor Maura Hennigan's office tells GlobeSt.com that Hennigan, who brought up a resolution about the seized land to the city council, opposes the BRA's move. "She is against the BRA and their seizing of that land," she says. The city council has held two meetings this week regarding the issue with heated rhetoric involved.

Councilor at Large Peggy Davis-Mullen, who has announced her candidacy for mayor, called for the disbanding of the BRA. "The taking of public land by the city is outrageous," Karen Sharma, spokesperson for Davisd-Mullen, tells GlobeSt.com. " It was done without a public process and without consulting the city council. They thought this would slip under the wire because it has so many times before."

According to Sharma, this is not the BRA's first public seizure of prime real estate here. The BRA seized City Hall Plaza from the city and is in the process of renovating it at a cost of $7 million.

The BRA is required to seek fair market value for the land. It has issued a request for proposal for the parcel valuing it at $13 million. Sharma says that some value the property at well over $30 million. "We're trying to figure this out," she says. "Is there another chunk of money out there?"