Processing Your Payment

Please do not leave this page until complete. This can take a few moments.

April 9, 2010

Second lawsuit targets Brunswick tax deal

By The Mainebiz News Staff

Another lawsuit has been levied against the town of Brunswick over a nearly $1 million tax break approved for a proposed inn at Maine Street Station.

Two hotel owners -- Peter Anastos, owner of the Marriott Fairfield Inn and Suites, and Linwood Austin, owner of the Comfort Inn -- and former town councilor Karen Klatt filed a lawsuit in Cumberland County Superior Court against the town and JHR Development, according to The Times Record. The lawsuit challenges the town's approval of a $907,221 credit enhancement agreement as part of a tax-increment financing district for JHR's proposed 54-room downtown inn, claiming the Brunswick Town Council did not adequately consider the credit's "detriment to existing businesses." The lawsuit also argues the town has refused to make public a feasibility study used to approve the TIF and credit enhancement agreement.

Last month, Anastos filed a separate lawsuit against the town to gain access to the feasibility study, arguing the tax break for JHR Development would take business away from the town's other hotels, which are struggling with 45% annual occupancy rates. The Brunswick Town Council in March approved the TIF district and agreement, which provides 100% tax abatement for five years and 75%-80% abatement over the following five years.

Go to the article from The Times Record >> 

Sign up for Enews

Most Recent

Most Recent

Comments

Order a PDF