Mayoral candidate Josh Kraft amplified allegations that Boston's administration artificially inflated commercial property assessments and retaliated against owners who sought tax abatements. The Pioneer New England Legal Foundation claims 39 buildings were overvalued by $545 million over two years, producing more than $13.3 million in additional property tax payments. Some named properties include 125 High St., One Federal St., and 60 State St. The state's revenue commissioner has told the legal group it is unable to substantiate the claims. Boston relies on property taxes for roughly 70% of its budget, so large refunds could significantly impact city finances.
While I can't speak to the accuracy of these allegations, they are serious and credible. And they demand an answer,
If the evidence is wrong, she needs to prove it. A wholesale dismissal-which has been her standard response-is unacceptable. Because right now it looks like the Mayor is using her office to punish property owners for exercising their rights under the law.
If these cases go to court and the City is forced to refund hundreds of millions of dollars in overpaid taxes, it will be a massive blow to Boston's finances,
unable to substantiate
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