TAX BREAKS FOR GOLF COURSES COSTING NEWTON OVER $1.7 MILLION THIS YEAR ALONE
In 1979, the state legislature instituted a program called Chapter 61B offering a 75% tax reduction to the Commonwealth's golf courses that reduces property taxes on eligible land used for open space or recreational use.
Over the past five years, the three private clubs in Newton, Brae Burn, Charles River and Woodland, have saved about $7.9 Million in property taxes. This year, the tax benefits for these three clubs were $600,000, $700,000 and $450,000 respectively.
In light of the failed operating override last spring, I have called for another look at this program. Mayor Fuller agrees and is encouraging the state to "reexamine the financial benefits" provided to recreational properties like golf courses.
The following article describes what the Boston Globe has learned about this issue.
Impacts of local residents
From: Halina Brown
Sent: Wednesday, May 3, 2023 8:40 PM
To: letter@globe.com
Subject: Golf courses do not pay taxes
Kudos to Globe's John Hilliard for the article about private golf courses in affluent communities (May 3). During the winter of 2021-2 my husband and I were snowshoeing at Charles River Golf Course in Newton, our hometown. An employee of the club approached and told us that we were trespassing private property and should immediately leave. We did not leave because I could not see why anyone would be bothered by an elderly couple enjoying the snow. Now I see that a new fence has been erected along the street where the public could access the area.
Many thanks to councilwoman Victoria Danberg who has worked for years to expose the arrogance and self-righteousness of these institutions, which take a lot from their host communities but give little back. If Newton country clubs paid their fair share of property taxes, as I do, Newton would not have had the need for an override. It is time that the state legislature reverses Chapter 61B and opens the door for municipalities to collect what is rightfully theirs.
Dr. Halina Brown