As he continues to push for a new ballpark in Prince William County, Potomac Nationals (High A; Carolina League) owner Art Silber is requesting a tax break.
Silber has been vying to complete a new facility for several years. The P-Nats are looking to move on from the outdated Pftizer Stadium, and into a new ballpark near Potomac Town Center.
The proposal, however, has run into funding issues. While the Virginia Department of Transportation is expected to construct a $15 million parking deck that also serves commuters and surrounding development, the P-Nats have been trying to close the remaining financing gaps using private funds, including naming rights.
Looking to address some of the project’s long-term costs, Silber is asking the county for an exemption on the annual property tax–which is currently estimated to be between $300,000 and $350,000 annually. More from the Faquier Times:
But Silber said, to his knowledge, no other minor league team pays real estate taxes on their stadiums, which is why he’s asking Prince William County to extend that advantage to his team.
“We think that’s just what’s right. We’re offering the county a deal that no other municipality has been offered,” Silber said. “It’s something we feel very strongly. We shouldn’t have to pay real estate taxes when no other minor league team does.”
It’s not clear whether the Prince William Board of Supervisors will grant the request.
The board did not discuss the matter during the public portion of its meeting Tuesday.
To eliminate the cost from being added to expenses such as rent, operations, and other annual payments, it is not uncommon for professional sports venues to be removed from the tax rolls. In some cases, it is because they are owned by a government, authority, or some type of exemption is granted.
The P-Nats are still in the process of trying complete other portions of the ballpark funding. The team’s current agreement at Pfitzner Stadium runs through 2018, so the ballpark would likely open forthe 2019 season.
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