by Viva la Vida 8 Replies latest watchtower scandals
WT applied for tax exemption to the Town of Ramapo, NY, on the ground that they use the land as a "spiritual "retreat", including hiking trails to facilitate spiritual meditation in the natural contemplative setting of the wooded property and reflection on the creative works of the Almighty"
Tax authority didn't buy it and WT sued: One, Two
I didn't know they did this kind of meditation or spiritual retreats...
Spiritual retreat indeed!
They tried to get Loterdan Properties to buy the property back but failed.
I need spiritual "retreat" including hiking trails to facilitate spiritual meditation in the natural contemplative setting of the wooded property and reflection on the creative works of the Almighty".
I think all of us need it. Especially when others pay de bill!...
is this the same property from a couple of years ago?
http://law.justia.com/cases/federal/district-courts/new-york/nysdce/7:2011cv03656/379925/39/
So it is the same. I guess they failed to get Lorterdan to repurchase the property.
It sure looks like they were not able to force Lorterdan to buy the property back. Now, instead of admitting they made a mistake and have changed their minds about developing the property as originally intended, they are claiming they want to turn it into a "spiritual retreat." All in a blatant attempt to weasel out of paying property taxes. It seems that the local tax people can see through this charade and are holding firm that the property no longer qualifies for a tax exemption. Good for them!
I wonder if the Society wound up having to pay the "consulting fee" or not. Does anyone know for sure?
If the property really was worth $20M or so when they bought it, and they only paid a total of $11.5M, why don't they just sell it now and be done with it? I have a feeling there's a lot to this story that hasn't come out yet.
Stay tuned...
