City Hikes Boy Scouts' Rent by $199,999 over Gay Ban (Philadelphia)

Philadelphia Inquirer ^ | 10/18/2007 | Joseph A. Slobodzian

[Pyro7480]

The Boy Scouts of America's refusal to bend its rules to permit gay scouts will cost the organization's local chapter $200,000 a year if it wishes to keep its headquarters in a city-owned building on Logan Square.

Representatives of the Boy Scouts of America's Cradle of Liberty Council were notified that to remain in their 79-year-old landmark headquarters, they needed to pay the city a "fair market" rent, Fairmount Park Commission president Robert N.C. Nix said yesterday. Currently, the rent is $1 a year....

[Freedom_no_exceptions]

Look into the tax breaks that professional sports teams get.

Of course, this dwarfs any benefits the Boy Scouts get. Not only do sports teams get tax breaks, they actually receive taxpayer money to build stadiums. I'm slowly becoming a sports fan, but the politics sicken me.

The benefits from the Boy Scouts more than make up what the city would collect in rent.

I don't get this. How so?

[restornu]

Doesen’t feel good does it!

Now you would like to apply the golden rule!

[SZonian]

I guess it’s to be determined if the city has zoned this as commercial. If not, I presume the point becomes moot. I won’t pretend to be a lawyer.

Again, the BSA was providing a community with services that they otherwise weren’t able to provide their youth and have not been able to since. I don’t see anything “free” about this.

SZ

[trumandogz]

Are there any other organizations in Philly that have "donated good citizens" to the city?

If so, do they get free rent?

Does the city where you live provide free rent to organizations that have donated good citizens?

How about the Girl Scouts, do they donate good citizens and do they get free rent?

[Petronski]

I can’t understand your post. If you’re insinuating I’ve exhibited bigotry, post the link.

I won’t hold my breath for your apology.

[freekitty]

No it’s not the point. Have some charity for a truly good cause in your heart.

[Petronski]

I’m not going to climb into your gutter and attempt a conversation with you.

I’m just flagging your anti-Catholic bigotry for what it is.

[Nathan Zachary]

"Rent control in Philly, like other jurisdictions, only applies to residential leases."

That IS the Boy Scouts residence.

[Stark_GOP]

Future leaders.

[Blood of Tyrants]

In the end days good will be called evil and evil will be called good.

[freekitty]

In this case; it is not stealing. The Scouts are an institution that obviously cares.

[Tired of Taxes]

The BS, are hopelessly outnumbered by the no morals publik edjemakashun systum,

I've been biting my tongue, but the BSA is also filled with the "no morals" people. I was accused of bigotry by a group of mothers when I told them I won't teach my children about homosexuality. One of those mothers - and her close friends who agree with her - are very active in the local BSA with their sons in it. So, there are people in the BSA who are taking advantage of everything the organization offers, but they don't really share the values.

[Steve_Seattle]

"Did you miss the fact, that although the city owns the land, the scouts built the building in 1928, in return for the $1 year rent?"

If that's true, and if there's a written contract formalizing that arrangement, then the city might be in breach of contract. But if it was a city ordinance or resolution, it can probably be unilaterally amended or revoked by the city.

[freekitty]

Thank you.

[SZonian]

How? The city doesn’t have to fund youth organizations that provide a clear purpose and build character in youth. Can you imagine how much it would cost taxpayers to fund an organization the size of BSA and have the same accomplishments and achievements the BSA has had?

It’s not even close. The gov’t, any gov’t couldn’t do it in a million years. You know why? Volunteers who actually give a good damn about the youth of this country.

SZ

[rahbert]

sounds like the vermin are inhabiting City Hall.

[trumandogz]

Have some charity for a truly good cause in your heart.

That is exactly the point.

You and I may believe that the Boy Scouts are a good cause and deserve free rent.

Other people my believe that the Girl Scouts are a good cause and deserve free rent.

Other people may believe that the ACLU is a good cause and deserve free rent.

And some people may believe that NAMBLA is a good cause and deserver free rent.

[Ditto]

I am not sure the Scouts need to be 200k a year but One Dollar is ridiculous.

Why does a government entity own a building with rental space? Could they actually get 200k for that space on the open market? If so, they should sell the building to a private owner for many times that yearly rental and also collect property taxes on it. The city has no business being a landlord.

[Tenacious 1]

I own commercial property and all the improvements done to my property by a tenant becomes my property.

Check your lease. Depending on the improvements made, there is usually compensation to be negotiated based on the specific types of improvements in the form of lease rate reductions. Alternatively, YOU, the property owner are responsible for all maintenance, utility, infrastructure, etc. up keep. You should post on here what you spend on the building per year.

Now, what kind of a break would you give your tenant if they promised to fix leaks in the roof, maintain the parking lot, mow the grass, change filters, wash buildings, pay utilities, replace old door hardware, replace light bulbs, etc. I would bet you could give them an incredible break as the free and clear owner of a building that you didn't have to spend a dime on. What were you saying about improvements to your property?

[restornu]

I said when the shoe is on the other foot you don’t like it!