QUINCY — The owners of Quincy Town Center are seeking a commitment of $100,000 in sales tax revenue generated by the Mid-Town Business District to complete the roof replacement on the property leased by Quincy Medical Group for its surgery center.
Quincy planning and development director Chuck Bevelheimer said Cullinan Properties approached the city about a major unexpected expense that occurred at the site of Bergner’s former building, which was renovated into a center of surgery and cancer treatment from QMG.
“(Cullinan) said they thought they had the roof inspected and they were told the roof was in good shape, they did all the renovations and now, as I understand it, the roof is leaking a bit,” said said Bevelheimer.
He added that he did not know who inspected the property at the time of the renovations.
Under the Downtown Business District Terms, which were approved in March 2021, a 1% retail sales tax would be imposed on all businesses in the district. A 1% hotel-motel tax may also be imposed on any future development in the area.
These tax revenues would be spent on projects that would improve existing businesses and attract new ones.
Since taking effect July 1, the tax has raised about $103,000. Bevelheimer said the district is on track to generate an additional $240,000 by the end of fiscal year 2023.
The neighborhood includes the entirety of downtown Quincy as well as the former County Market and Sears buildings.
Although Quincy Medical Group does not collect sales tax on the property, Bevelheimer said the site is eligible to use district tax revenue for improvement projects.
“Any business in the downtown business district can access this money,” Bevelheimer said. “It’s up to (the city council) how you want to spend that on projects.”
Anaise Berry, director of marketing and communications for Cullinan Properties, said the project will cost around $1 million and Cullinan hopes to receive a $100,000 contribution from the city to use the funds.
“Roof replacement is not contingent on (Business Development District) approval — we wouldn’t force the city’s hand like that,” Berry said. “The BDD funds used for the roof allow (Quincy Town Center) to invest in other aspects of the ownership, operation and development of the center.”
A resolution allowing the city to enter into a development agreement with Cullinan for the project is up for consideration at Monday’s city council meeting.
Mike Jenkins, property manager of Quincy Town Center, and a representative from Cullinan Properties asked to speak on the matter at the meeting.
