Manhattan city officials are moving forward on a request from the group renovating the Wareham Opera House.
City commissioners agreed Tuesday that a sales tax exemption on construction materials and labor for nonprofit Wareham Hall could be explored further. City staff would do the exemption through the issuance of industrial revenue bonds. Wareham Hall Executive Director Blade Mages says to date, the organization has raised more than $10 million toward it’s $17.5 million budget.
Mages says they do not intend to seek any property tax abatement.
To qualify for the exemption using IRB’s, an entity must meet four requirements, including quality job creation, capital investment, economic diversity and community need. All four commissioners were on board since there isn’t much obligation required from the city.
City staff will return with a resolution before within the next two months. Renovations are slated to begin in June, with an expected completion in 2026.
