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The Diocese of Burlington has sold its headquarters for $10 million to help pay for settlements in about two dozen sexual abuse lawsuits involving Vermont priests.
Burlington College purchased the 32.4 acre property, which borders Lake Champlain and includes a 77,000 square foot, four-story building that once housed an orphanage.
Bishop Salvatore R. Matano of Burlington said that the diocese and the college arrived at a final agreement on Dec. 31, 2010, the Burlington Free Press reports. The sale price exceeds appraisals done on the property, although the diocese first publicly listed the property at $12.5 million.
On May 13, the diocese reached a $17.65 million settlement in 16 lawsuits alleging clerical sexual abuse decades ago. The diocese also agreed to pay undisclosed amounts to settle three cases being appealed to the Vermont Supreme Court.
Bishop Matano has said the costs of the settlements are “the sole responsibility of the diocese.” He added that no funds from parishes, institutions, charitable agencies of the diocese or the Bishop’s Fund have been used for past or present settlements.
“The intentions of donors have been and continue to be respected and upheld,” he said.
ewtnnews.com/catholic-news/new.php?id=2376
Burlington College purchased the 32.4 acre property, which borders Lake Champlain and includes a 77,000 square foot, four-story building that once housed an orphanage.
Bishop Salvatore R. Matano of Burlington said that the diocese and the college arrived at a final agreement on Dec. 31, 2010, the Burlington Free Press reports. The sale price exceeds appraisals done on the property, although the diocese first publicly listed the property at $12.5 million.
On May 13, the diocese reached a $17.65 million settlement in 16 lawsuits alleging clerical sexual abuse decades ago. The diocese also agreed to pay undisclosed amounts to settle three cases being appealed to the Vermont Supreme Court.
Bishop Matano has said the costs of the settlements are “the sole responsibility of the diocese.” He added that no funds from parishes, institutions, charitable agencies of the diocese or the Bishop’s Fund have been used for past or present settlements.
“The intentions of donors have been and continue to be respected and upheld,” he said.
ewtnnews.com/catholic-news/new.php?id=2376