BOSTON — The Archdiocese of Boston has agreed to sell its ornate archbishop’s residence and 43 surrounding acres to Boston College (BC) for nearly $100 million and could sell more land in two years for $8 million more.
The deal announced April 20 gives the cash-strapped archdiocese money to help finance an $85 million settlement with victims of clergy sexual abuse. It also gives the Jesuit-run college needed room to expand. Under the deal, BC would acquire the archbishop’s mansion, a former high school seminary, a retreat house and 43 acres in suburban Brighton for $99.4 million. In two years, it will also sell the facilities and 3.25 acres of land of the archdiocesan tribunal — responsible for annulments — which could fetch up to $8 million.
The two sides also tentatively agreed that if the archdiocese decides to sell St. John’s Seminary and chancery headquarters, BC could buy those remaining 18 acres for an additional $60 million.
Church officials said the deal underscores their commitment not to use parishioners’ offerings or fund-raising campaigns to settle scores of sex abuse claims. (TAB)
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