Connect with us

Boston, MA

Lawsuit that alleges Boston is inflating commercial property taxes goes to court this week

Published

on

Lawsuit that alleges Boston is inflating commercial property taxes goes to court this week


A lawsuit that alleges the City of Boston is inflating the assessed value, and taxes, for commercial properties that file abatements will be taken up by Suffolk Superior Court on Wednesday.

The alleged practice has been slammed as retaliatory and unlawful by the Pioneer New England Legal Foundation, a watchdog group that filed the class-action lawsuit on behalf of a commercial property owner last December. The property is 148 State St., a Seaport office building.

The city filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit in February, arguing that the case does not qualify as one that should be considered by Superior Court, given that the plaintiff “has an adequate legal remedy at the (state) Appellate Tax Board.”

City Hall attorneys will be asking the court to grant the motion at Wednesday’s 2 p.m. hearing.

Advertisement

“Plaintiff failed to exhaust its mandatory administrative remedies; indeed, plaintiff and the city are involved in a pending administrative action that will address some of the excessive valuation claims raised in its complaint,” the city’s motion states. “Plaintiff chose not to appeal the remaining excessive valuation claims raised in its complaint.

“Contrary to its argument, plaintiff’s claims do not fit into the exceedingly narrow exception that would permit the Superior Court to hear its claims for declaratory and injunctive relief under extraordinary circumstances,” the city’s motion states. “As a result, the court is without jurisdiction to entertain the complaint, and it must be dismissed as a matter of law.”

The Pioneer New England Legal Foundation filed an opposition to the city’s motion to dismiss last month that argues against what it sees as the “essence” of the the motion, which is that “the court must decline to hear the case because the statutory abatement and Appellate Tax Board process is mandatory and exclusive.”

“Defendant’s framing baldly misstates what the complaint actually pleads and what this action seeks to remedy,” the Pioneer filing states. “Contrary to the premise of the city’s motion, this action is not a routine dispute over the valuation of a single parcel.

“Plaintiff alleges a deliberate, systemwide retaliatory practice: when a taxpayer exercised the right to petition by pursuing an ATB appeal, the city used an add-back or override methodology to inflate the property assessment at issue artificially, and ostensibly to ‘stabilize’ the taxpayer’s value at prior-year levels.

Advertisement

“Similarly-situated taxpayers without ATB appeals did not receive the same treatment. Plaintiff further alleges that this practice is reflected in the city’s own property record cards and operated as a hidden penalty on protected petitioning activity,” the Pioneer filing states.

Pioneer’s attorneys added, “At the pleading stage, those well-plead allegations must be credited as true, and the city cannot obtain dismissal by trying to recast the complaint as nothing more than an ordinary overvaluation claim.”

The lawsuit is seeking restitution, for the city to repay the plaintiff commercial taxpayer, along with others who may join the filing, the amount they were overcharged in property taxes, due to the city’s alleged overvaluation.

Despite reportedly agreeing privately to stop the alleged overassessment practice as part of settlement negotiations, the city has publicly dismissed Pioneer’s allegations as “baseless and full of misinformation,” per a prior statement from Mayor Michelle Wu’s office.

Frank Bailey, Pioneer’s president and a retired judge of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Massachusetts, has said Pioneer estimates as many as 200 commercial properties have been overtaxed by the city practice.

Advertisement

If the suit is successful, those properties could be owed restitution at a time when the city’s finances are hampered by declining commercial property values tied to vacant office space that one City Hall watchdog has projected may lead to a $1-2 billion budget shortfall over the next five years.



Source link

Advertisement

Boston, MA

World Cup 2026 travel guide: Boston

Published

on

World Cup 2026 travel guide: Boston


play

Boston has won more major sports championships than any American city this millennium, so it only makes sense the World Cup will be coming to the city.

While “Boston Stadium” isn’t actually in the city, tourists coming to catch the seven World Cup games in Foxborough will be looking to spend plenty of time in Boston. The city is brimming with history, as one of the key cities of the American Revolution, and has plenty to offer in terms of food, drink and recreation as well.

Advertisement

Here’s all you need to know about Boston as it prepares to help host the 2026 World Cup:

What games are in Boston?

The Boston region has drawn seven games for the 2026 World Cup, five in the group stage and two in the knockout rounds. They are as follows:

  • June 13: Haiti vs. Scotland
  • June 16: Iraq vs. Norway
  • June 19: Scotland vs. Morocco
  • June 23: England vs. Ghana
  • June 26: Norway vs. France
  • June 29: Round of 32
  • July 9: Quarterfinals

Where are the games in Boston being played?

The Boston World Cup games aren’t actually going to be played in Boston. They will be played at Gillette Stadium – which has been renamed “Boston Stadium” for the World Cup – in Foxborough, Massachusetts, which is about 22 miles south of Boston.

Boston Stadium was constructed in 2002 and has a seating capacity of up to 68,756. The stadium was renovated in 2023 and now possesses a 22,000-square-foot outdoor video board.

Boston Stadium has hosted many CONCACAF Gold Cup games and Copa America games throughout its history, along with numerous friendly matches between international foes. It also hosted four matches during the 2003 Women’s World Cup, including the USWNT’s 1-0 quarterfinal win over Norway, during which Abby Wambach scored the decisive goal in the 24th minute.

Advertisement

The multi-purpose stadium is also home to the NFL’s New England Patriots, MLS’s New England Revolution and the NWSL’s Boston Legacy.

How to get around in Boston

Boston’s primary public transit system is the MBTA, and tourists can use the subway system – known colloquially as “The T” – to get around the city with relative ease. The city is also walkable and has BLUEbikes for rent.

Getting to Foxborough for the game will be a bit more challenging, but the MBTA has introduced an express train line – the “Boston Stadium Train service” – between South Station and Foxboro Station for easy access to Boston Stadium. A total of 14 trains will run without stops between the two stations for each match.

The train ride from the city to the stadium is estimated to take about an hour. Tickets – which are round-trip – are priced at $80.

There will be no MBTA subway or bus service to the stadium aside from the Boston Stadium Train services. As such, those unwilling or unable to get tickets for the train will need to consider driving the 22 miles to Foxborough or getting a rideshare to the stadium.

Advertisement

Where to stay in Boston

Before you start looking for hotels, it’s imperative to decide whether you’d like to stay in Boston or closer to the stadium in Foxborough.

Boston has countless distinct neighborhoods, with Downtown, the North End, Back Bay and the Seaport representing just a smattering of the options for those looking to stay in the city. All have a mix of upscale, moderately priced and budget options.

Meanwhile, there are also a smattering of hotels in Foxborough and neighboring Walpole for those preferring to stay closer to the stadium.

Where to eat in Boston

Boston is loaded with good restaurants, especially in the North End, where every restaurant is great. Here are some of the best places to check out:

Advertisement

Union Oyster House. Any time a restaurant has been open for 200 years, you know it’s good. It’s on the Freedom Trail and a block from Faneuil Hall and serves up plenty of great seafood.

Mamma Maria. You can’t go wrong with any Italian restaurant in the North End, and Mamma Maria’s ever-changing daily menu guarantees you are getting a great, fresh meal.

The Dubliner. If you’re looking to tap into Boston’s Irish heritage, The Dubliner may be the spot for you. They have a World Cup schedule on their website as well, so it could be a place to eat and catch some of the tournament action.

Sweet Cheeks Q. Boston may not be known for its barbecue, but Sweet Cheeks’ Texas-style BBQ is quite good. Their biscuits and honey butter are particularly good, so swing by if you’re in the Fenway area.

Regina Pizzeria. “Boston’s Original Pizzeria” has been around for 100 years. If you’re looking for a good slice, there’s no better place to grab one.

Advertisement

Mike’s Pastry. If dessert is your speed, Mike’s has some of the best cannoli in town.

What else to do in Boston

The World Cup games may be in Foxborough, but there is plenty to do in Boston. There are plenty of attractions for history buffs and sports fans alike on non-match days.

Here are a few options for things to do around Boston during your stay:

The Freedom Trail. If you’re an history buff, there’s no better way to explore the city of Boston’s role in the American Revolution than the Freedom Trail. The 2.5-mile trail takes you on a tour of some of the city’s most notable historical sites including museums, churches, meeting houses and burying grounds. Schedule a tour or do a self-guided one across the clearly-marked trail.

Boston Duck Tours. Ever see the Duck Boats during a Boston sports parade and thought, “Man, I’d really like to ride on one of those.” Now is your chance! The unique tour allows its participants to see Boston both by land and by sea without ever leaving the comfort of the Duck Boat.

Advertisement

Fenway Park. MLB’s oldest stadium opened in 1912 and is still home to the Boston Red Sox. The ballpark’s one-of-a-kind dimensions make watching a game there a great deal of fun, while the historic charm of the stadium will connect you to a century’s worth of baseball history. Even if the Sox aren’t in town, you can schedule a tour of the ballpark to learn more about the stadium and baseball in the city of Boston.

Sam Adams Brewery. Boston’s most famous locally brewed beer was founded in 1984 and named after one of the country’s founding fathers, Samuel Adams. The brewery offers tours and a taste of some of their most famous flavors, including Boston Lager and their summertime staple Porch Rocker, and perhaps a lesson about who is actually on the Sam Adams bottle (it is not Samuel Adams!).

Boston Public Garden and Boston Common. If you’re looking to soak up some summertime sun, head over to the Boston Public Garden and Boston Common. Go for a ride on the Swan Boats and if your little ones get hot, send them to cool off in the spray pool at the Frog Pond.



Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Boston, MA

Expect a brilliant blue sky for Monday with cooler readings. Enjoy it, because the heat returns this week. – The Boston Globe

Published

on

Expect a brilliant blue sky for Monday with cooler readings. Enjoy it, because the heat returns this week. – The Boston Globe


A frontal system will push south of the region overnight, allowing for a brief cooldown in our New England weather on Monday before another stretch of heat this week. Overall, it’s going to be dry and significantly warmer than average. I would say that the temperatures are the bigger issue, with very warm conditions expected.

Temperatures on Monday will be in the ideal range, generally in the mid-70s. Dew points will be comfortable, and there won’t be much wind, although at times it may rustle the leaves a bit.

Winds will be noticeable at times on Monday, but will be held below 20 mph for most areas.Boston Globe
Highs across Southern New England will be coolest by the coast on Monday.Boston Globe

Monday night brings some beautiful weather with temperatures in the 50s, maybe even in the upper 40s in the cooler spots. Boston is likely to stay around 60. Certainly great sleeping weather all-around.

As high pressure pushes off the Atlantic Seaboard and the flow of warmer air returns, temperatures will quickly respond, and it’s back to approaching the upper 80s to even near 90 practically every day this week — and it could be even warmer this weekend. It’s worth remembering that an official heat wave is three days in a row of 90-degree weather. It remains to be seen if any parts of Southern New England sees a heat wave, but it’s definitely a possibility. It’s also worth noting that 90 is just random; some days at 87 degrees can certainly feel worse than a 90-degree day, so the theme here is to prepare for warmer and more humid weather this week.

The forecast across Boston for the next seven days.Boston Globe

The drought conditions are almost not worth talking about because until we have a significant shift in the weather pattern, we will continue with a drought for most areas. It may worsen, it may get a little bit better, but we’re definitely in the time of the year where rainfall is more sporadic. The best thing is to remember to water plants and lawns early in the morning, follow any town water bans or restrictions, and avoid planting in the heat.

Our next chance of precipitation comes late Wednesday.

Advertisement
Showers will return to New England on Wednesday evening.Boston Globe

Greater Boston: Sunny skies both Monday and Tuesday, with temperatures Monday in the mid-70s and Tuesday in the upper 80s.

Central/Western Mass.: Look for brilliant blue skies on Monday with temperatures in the 70s. It’s 83 to 88 on Tuesday with more sunshine.

Southeastern Mass.: Temperatures will be in the mid- to upper 70s on Monday, along with plenty of sunshine. It’ll be in the low to perhaps mid-80s away from the ocean on Tuesday with more sunny skies.

Cape Cod and the islands: Two picture perfect days are on the way with lots of sunshine. Readings will be in the 70s on Monday and approaching 80 on Tuesday except 60s on Nantucket.

Rhode Island: Sunshine on Monday and Tuesday. It’ll be in the 70s on Monday and 80s on Tuesday.

New Hampshire: With readings in the 70s, it’ll be very comfortable on Monday, but heating up to the mid-80s on Tuesday with more sunshine.

Advertisement

Sign up here for our daily Globe Weather Forecast that will arrive straight into your inbox bright and early each weekday morning.





Source link

Continue Reading

Boston, MA

Aroldis Chapman Trade Rumors Heating Up for Struggling Red Sox

Published

on

Aroldis Chapman Trade Rumors Heating Up for Struggling Red Sox


Will the Boston Red Sox cut ties with Aroldis Chapman before the 2026 Major League Baseball trade deadline?

That’s going to be the biggest question hanging over the organization ahead of the deadline if the Red Sox aren’t able to fully turn their season around. After taking down the New York Yankees on Friday, Boston has a 27-35 record. The Red Sox’s contest against the Yankees was postponed on Saturday and the two American League East rivals will conclude their brief series at Yankee Stadium on Sunday.

Boston clearly has a lot of work to do right now. With the club currently struggling in the standings, USA Today’s Bob Nightengale wrote that Chapman is “expected” to join his eighth different team this summer and get moved.

Advertisement

What Will Boston Do With Aroldis Chapman?

May 20, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Boston Red Sox catcher Carlos Narvaez (75) and Boston Red Sox relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman (44) celebrate after defeating the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images | Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
Advertisement

“Boston Red Sox closer Aroldis Chapman is expected to join his eighth different team, and potentially be in the postseason with his sixth different team,” Nightengale wrote. “He is the top reliever available on every contender’s target list, converting 28 consecutive saves dating back to last season, one shy of his career record.”

Advertisement

If the Red Sox are eight games below .500 at the beginning of August, like they are now, then this idea unfortunately, would make sense. But it’s important to note that on Saturday, The Athletic’s Jen McCaffrey reported that Boston has fielded calls on Chapman, Justin Slaten, and Garrett Whitlock but has told teams that the trio currently isn’t available. The idea of Chapman being moved is fully contingent on whether the Red Sox can make progress in the standings over the next two months.

Right now, the Red Sox are just three games out of an American League Wild Card spot, so it’s not the craziest idea in the world to believe they can make up some ground here. Plus, let’s not forget that some point Garrett Crochet and Roman Anthony will be able to return.

So, right now, the Red Sox are in a tough spot, which gives some life to Nightengale’s point, but it’s still a bit too early to fully jump to conclusions. If the Red Sox can go on a little run, then all of a sudden the perception will shift around Boston. If not, then the club will end up getting a haul in exchange for Chapman if the club actually does end up moving him before the deadline.

Add us as a preferred source on Google



Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading
Advertisement

Trending