May 28, 2007 / 11:23 am
The Archdiocese of Boston announced May 24 that it has reached an agreement in principle with Boston College for the sale of additional property from the archdiocese's Brighton campus for $65 million. Closing on the property is expected to be completed by Aug. 1st.
In 2004, the archdiocese sold 43 acres of its Brighton campus to Boston College, which included the cardinal's residence and other buildings, for $99.4 million. As part of this agreement, the archdiocese retained an option to sell additional property on its Brighton campus to the college.
The two institutions completed a subsequent sale of the archdiocese’s Lake Street tribunal property in 2006 for $8 million.
"Proceeds from this sale will allow the Archdiocese to invest resources for the benefit of our parishes, clergy, St. John's Seminary and the many important programs that serve a large number of people," said Cardinal Sean O’Malley.
However, St. John's Seminary will remain at its current location, as Cardinal O’Malley promised. The Archdiocese has seen a significant increase in the number of men who have expressed interest in priesthood and religious life. Earlier this year close to 100 men attended discernment retreats.
The new pastoral center building will be on Brooks Drive in Braintree and is owned by the philanthropist Tom Flatley. This 140,000 square foot building will house all of the current departments now housed on the Brighton campus. Other agencies and departments located throughout greater Boston will also move to this new site. The move is expected to occur by July 2008.