NEW JERSEY
National Catholic Reporter
NCR Editorial Staff | Feb. 20, 2014
Newark, N.J., Archbishop John Myers’ decision to expand his summer residence cum retirement home — already a model of luxury with five bedrooms, three full bathrooms, an elevator, a three-car garage and a large outdoor pool and valued at nearly $800,000 — is nothing short of an assault on the goodwill and trust of the people of God.
The 3,000-square-foot addition, at a minimum cost of $500,000 (it is reported that furnishings, architectural costs and landscaping are not included in that figure), will bring the total area of the residence to 7,400 square feet and the total value to at least $1.3 million.
The addition will house an indoor exercise pool, a hot tub, three fireplaces, a library, another elevator and a “gallery” to provide a panoramic view of the grounds below, according to a report in The Star-Ledger of Newark.
Gasp. Yes, a gasp is appropriate. The arrogance and self-importance required to undertake such a project on one’s own behalf and funded, at least partially, with the proceeds from the sale of other archdiocesan-owned property is breathtaking.
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