New Bedford Sues Star Store Holdings Over Taxes

The city of New Bedford has filed a lawsuit against Star Store Holdings LLC to recover over $525,000 in unpaid property taxes for fiscal year 2023, along with nearly $1 million in back taxes from previous years. The legal action follows the recent closure of the Star Store, which housed UMass Dartmouth's College of Visual and Performing Arts until August 2023. Mayor Jon Mitchell emphasizes the need to expedite the redevelopment of the vacant property, stating that it is important for the city to act on the significant tax delinquency. A state inspector general's report previously criticized the management of the property and highlighted a collective failure among public entities that led to financial losses. The lawsuit aims for foreclosure which would allow the city to sell the property to recoup the owed taxes, with any remaining funds returned to the owner. Attorney David E. Condon is representing the city in this matter.