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	Colchester Selectboard Explores Purchase of Camp Holy Cross By Matt Sutkoski Burlington Free Press April 19, 2010 http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/article/20100419/NEWS02/100418006/Colchester-Selectboard-explores-purchase-of-Camp-Holy-Cross The Colchester Selectboard is still interested in purchasing the lakeside Camp Holy Cross property, though town officials said they have not found ways to pay for the property. The property owned by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Burlington is on the market for more than $7 million. Colchester voters approved at the March town meeting a ballot item authorizing the Selectboard to look into buying the 26-acre parcel. The board agreed to put the item on the ballot after residents lobbied for the idea. The camp property is on a scenic location overlooking Lake Champlain. "The town has an obligation to pursue the possible acquisition of the camp because it is of interest to so many," Colchester Town Manager Al Voegele said. There are no guarantees, however, the town will buy the land, he said. Colchester has to compete with all other potential buyers of Camp Holy Cross, Voegele said. That means somebody might buy the property before Colchester can find the means to make the purchase, he said. The diocese put the property up for sale to help pay settlements to victims of sexual abuse by priests. The diocese also plans to sell its headquarters on Burlington's North Avenue. Diocese officials have kept the town informed about developments with the sale, Voegele said. "They have been very, very courteous to the town and very supportive of the town's interests," Voegele said. He said Joe McNeil, an attorney for the diocese, met with the Selectboard on Tuesday. McNeil did not return a call Thursday seeking comment. The Camp Holy Cross property was tax exempt when it was used as a youth camp. It could generate property tax revenue for Colchester if a private developer buys the land, Voegele said. How much revenue the land would bring would depend upon how it is developed, he said. If the town buys it, the land would not generate property tax revenue. In considering whether to buy the land, the town has to consider the balance between the potential tax revenue and the public good of town ownership, Voegele said. Contact: msutkosk@bfp.burlingtonfreepress.com
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