The leader of a Reading Buddhist temple says the temple mistakenly lost its tax exemption for one year after purchasing a former church on South Fifth Street.
Abbot Thich Giac Chinh of the Sakyamuni Buddhist Sangha of U.S. Dharma Meditation Temple spoke at City Council’s recent committee of the whole meeting. Chinh asked the city to forgive more than $14,000 in 2024 property taxes that accrued after its tax-exempt status did not automatically transfer with the property.
The abbot told council that the sangha, or congregation, purchased the former St. James Community Christian Center, 139 S. Fifth St., in 2023, believing the property’s existing tax-exempt status would continue.
The organization’s leaders later learned they were required to apply for the temple’s tax exemption.
Chinh said the temple subsequently received an exemption from the Berks County Board of Assessment, effective Jan. 1, 2025, leaving it responsible for the 2024 county, city and school district taxes.
In its written request to council, the organization said it did not understand until after the taxes had been assessed that it needed to reapply following the change in ownership.
The temple is seeking exoneration of $14,408 in city taxes, interest and penalties.
Council Solicitor Michael Gombar said the situation resulted from a one-year gap between the former owner’s exemption and the new exemption.
“It appears the temple was not aware that there was not an automatic continuation of the exemption,” he said.
The Reading School District has already granted an exoneration, he noted.
The temple also intends to seek relief from Berks County for the 2024 taxes, Gombar said, but was told the county would wait until after the school district and city acted on the request.
The temple’s written application says the nonprofit organization is supported entirely by private donations and that paying the taxes would divert money from educational programs, community services and renovations.
Chinh told council the organization has already spent tens of thousands of dollars renovating the former church and is budgeting for additional work, including roof repairs.
The building has served religious congregations for generations and retains historic stonework and stained glass.
Councilman Raymond Baker asked whether the Buddhist congregation planned architectural alterations that could affect the building’s historic character.
Gombar said no exterior architectural changes are planned.
“Basically, the structure that you would see from the street is going to maintain the same appearance,” he said, adding that any future work on the roof or facade would comply with city regulations.
Councilman Jaime Baez Jr. asked whether the temple had resolved its tax status going forward. The attorney said the exemption was granted beginning with the 2025 tax year.
Council is expected to take formal action on the exoneration request at its Sept. 28 meeting.
Other business
Council reviewed two grant-related budget amendments expected to come before it for action at its next regular meeting.
One would recognize a $242,596 state Department of Community and Economic Development grant to build a pedestrian connector providing safer access to the Lancaster Avenue shopping center at 733 Lancaster Ave.
The other would recognize a $21,000 Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission grant for safer trail access and invasive-species removal at Confluence Park.
Managing Director Jack Gombach said the Lancaster Avenue project would create a walking path connecting portions of the corridor for safer pedestrian travel. Council President Donna Reed noted the route could also accommodate bicyclists and potentially reduce vehicle trips.