Erie Mayor Joe Sinnott and County Executive Barry Grossman held a joint press conference at Erie City Hall to applaud a tax appeal board decision denying tax exempt status to a bayfront marina.
Bay Harbor Marina had sought tax exemption following a recent court ruling from Judge John Garhart.
That ruling could impact for-profit businesses that lease from the non-profit Port Authority.
"I just looked at this case on its merits," County Executive Grossman told us. "On its merits this was something we had to oppose."
The case could have sent ripples down the waterfront, impacting the tax structure on some of the city's most valuable property.
"The laws are what they are as concerns for-profits paying taxes," Mayor Sinnott said. "We're confident that would prevail and we're pleased that it did.
A bayfront boat dealership, RCR Yachts had also planned on applying under the ruling but pulled the petition shortly before the hearing.
In separate filings both RCR and Bay Harbor are appealing a recent increase in their tax assessment and those talks continue.
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