This article is hereby established upon acceptance by the Pittsfield
City council of Massachusetts General Laws, chapter 59, section 59A.
[Ord. No. 891, § I, 6-26-2001]
It is the intent of the City to offer tax abatements to encourage
the continued environmental cleanup and redevelopment of sites zoned
for industrial and commercial use from or at which there have been
a release of oil or hazardous material.
Property which may be the subject of tax abatement agreements
pursuant to this ordinance must:
[Ord. No. 891, § I, 6-26-2001]
(a)
The mayor is hereby authorized to negotiate agreements with owners
of eligible properties regarding the payment of outstanding real estate
taxes, interest and penalties, including the abatement of those amounts
determined by the mayor to be reasonably necessary by the property
owners to clean up and redevelop sites zoned for industrial and commercial
use from or at which there have been a release of oil or hazardous
material (hereunder, the “Abatement Agreements”). All
Abatement Agreements shall be signed by the mayor, the president of
the City council, upon approval by the City council by majority vote,
and the property owner, whose signatures shall be attested to by the
City clerk.
(b)
Abatement Agreements shall include, but not be limited to:
(1)
The amount of outstanding real estate taxes;
(2)
The percentage of interest to accrue if determined applicable by
the mayor and the property owner;
(3)
The description of quantifiable monthly payments;
(4)
The inception date of monthly payments;
(5)
The date of the final payment;
(6)
The late penalties to be imposed; and
(7)
Any and all other contractual terms and conditions as arranged between
the Mayor and the property owner.
[Ord. No. 891, § I, 6-26-2001]
Copies of abatement agreements shall be provided to the Massachusetts
Department of Environmental Protection, the United States Department
of Environmental Protection, the Massachusetts Commissioner of Revenue,
the City Council and the property owner.
