Amador County - Father Tom Seabridge, Pastor of the Amador Catholic Community, confirmed rumors Wednesday that the Catholic Diocese of Sacramento has made an offer to purchase the former home of Prospect Motors in Martell, but stressed that the final sale is pending approval from General Motors Acceptance Corporation (GMAC). During service last month, Seabridge announced the Church’s intention to purchase the property primarily for a youth center and community facility to be utilized by the catholic community. There have been few prospects for the mammoth property ever since the 33-year-old dealership suddenly closed its doors in December of 2008. Located in the heart of the Martell Shopping Center, the now vacant buildings serve as a constant reminder of the effects of the economic recession. Seabridge told TSPN the price tag is “at least $3 million,” but he cannot elaborate because of a confidentiality agreement. Rumors have been spreading about the possible uses for the property and whether or not the Church will provide space for struggling local organizations. “Since the Church is tax-exempt, there should be serious consideration given to utilizing that financial advantage to give back to our community,” said Joyce Bonner, a volcano resident. Caryl Callsen, an upcountry resident, said she hopes “this purchase will not result in division, but rather a way to reach out to all members of the community.” Callsen is a member of Call to Action, a progressive Catholic action organization, and said she has had first-hand experience with the diocese discriminating against certain groups in the past. Others see this as a positive move. “This is certainly a win-win for the community, with a lot of potential applications that would be great for the building,” said Lynda Cook, a Sutter Creek resident and member of the Church. Prospect Motors was well-known as a generous contributor within the community, and had generated a large portion of the city and county tax bases. “As far as the Church not paying taxes, that would be the same no matter where it decides to purchase property,” said Seabridge. He said they will be investigating what space they can provide for the community based on the Church’s tax exempt status. He plans on holding a joint meeting with members of the press once he receives the official papers indicating the deal has been closed. “This will likely be of great future benefit to our community and others,” he said. Story by Alex Lane This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Thursday, 22 July 2010 07:08
Catholic Church Aims to Buy Former Prospect Motors Property
Written by Tom-
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Amador County - Father Tom Seabridge, Pastor of the Amador Catholic Community, confirmed rumors Wednesday that the Catholic Diocese of Sacramento has made an offer to purchase the former home of Prospect Motors in Martell, but stressed that the final sale is pending approval from General Motors Acceptance Corporation (GMAC). During service last month, Seabridge announced the Church’s intention to purchase the property primarily for a youth center and community facility to be utilized by the catholic community. There have been few prospects for the mammoth property ever since the 33-year-old dealership suddenly closed its doors in December of 2008. Located in the heart of the Martell Shopping Center, the now vacant buildings serve as a constant reminder of the effects of the economic recession. Seabridge told TSPN the price tag is “at least $3 million,” but he cannot elaborate because of a confidentiality agreement. Rumors have been spreading about the possible uses for the property and whether or not the Church will provide space for struggling local organizations. “Since the Church is tax-exempt, there should be serious consideration given to utilizing that financial advantage to give back to our community,” said Joyce Bonner, a volcano resident. Caryl Callsen, an upcountry resident, said she hopes “this purchase will not result in division, but rather a way to reach out to all members of the community.” Callsen is a member of Call to Action, a progressive Catholic action organization, and said she has had first-hand experience with the diocese discriminating against certain groups in the past. Others see this as a positive move. “This is certainly a win-win for the community, with a lot of potential applications that would be great for the building,” said Lynda Cook, a Sutter Creek resident and member of the Church. Prospect Motors was well-known as a generous contributor within the community, and had generated a large portion of the city and county tax bases. “As far as the Church not paying taxes, that would be the same no matter where it decides to purchase property,” said Seabridge. He said they will be investigating what space they can provide for the community based on the Church’s tax exempt status. He plans on holding a joint meeting with members of the press once he receives the official papers indicating the deal has been closed. “This will likely be of great future benefit to our community and others,” he said. Story by Alex Lane This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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