Building Tangled up in Discrimination Suit Sold to Another Party

NECN
October 19, 2012

http://www.necn.com/10/18/12/Building-tangled-up-in-discrimination-su/landing.html?blockID=790659&feedID=11106

[with video]

(NECN: Kristen Carosa) - James Knott looks over the Oakhurst Conference and Retreat Center in Whitinsville, Mass.

The Northbridge, Mass. man says he bought the property from the Diocese of Worcester for $800,000.

“I brought the building when it became available because, in my opinion, it’s an important piece of history,” Knott says.

But along with history comes controversy.

James Fairbanks and Allain Beret of Sutton say they were discriminated against by the Diocese when they tried to purchase the property.

They told us back in July that they were turned down by church officials because they might have held same-sex weddings on the property.

The two men have filed a civil suit in Worcester Superior Court.

The Diocese did not talk about that but did release a statement Thursday regarding the sale of the property.

"Mr. Knott did not share his business plan with us other than to say that he thought it could become a center for small meetings,” the Diocese says in the statement. “Since he is a successful businessman, I presume he has the assets to address the needs of the property."

Back in Whitinsville, Knott says he intends to use the 89-room, 26-acre property as a conference center and wedding facility.

But while it will host weddings, he says he would not permit a gay marriage.

“I have lots of friends and acquaintances who are gay, I hold nothing against them but I don't see any sense in using this place for that,” he says.

Knott says the property is excellent condition, but will paint some areas. He says he looks forward to opening up the home for public use.