Watch CBS News

City Not Entertaining Philadelphia Man's Bid For Boy Scouts HQ

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Another buyer is stepping forward to purchase the historic Boy Scouts headquarters, just off the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, but city lawyers say the bid will not be entertained, at this point. That's because the city already has a proposed agreement with the Scouts, to settle a lawsuit over the Scouts' national policy of banning gay members.

Real estate investor Mel Heifetz (above), a former Eagle Scout who once led a troop, wanted to buy the property near Logan Circle. But rather than give it to the Scouts, he says he would have donated it to a nonprofit organization that does not discriminate.

"I wouldn't care what organization it went to," Heifetz told KYW Newsradio on Tuesday. "I would prefer the Scouts stayed, but they'd have to change their policy."

The Cradle of Liberty Council, the local Scouts chapter, says the national Boy Scouts would revoke its charter if it allowed gays as members.

Heifetz was offering $1.5 million, three times as much as the Scouts would put up. But the Scouts' proposal also would forgive upwards of a $1 million in legal fees the city would have to pay the Scouts, since the Scouts prevailed at trial.

Mayor Nutter says it's more complicated than "just sending over a check."

Members of the gay community believe the city should pursue an appeal rather than settle with the Scouts.

Reported by Steve Tawa, KYW Newsradio.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.