The agreement also includes two additional proposals involving the Brighton campus and the Chancery and St. John's Seminary properties on it. If the Archdiocese of Boston decides to sell the remaining Chancery property within the next ten years, Boston College is required to purchase the property for $20 million. Similarly, if the St. John's Seminary property were to be sold within the next ten years, Boston College would be required to buy that property for $40 million plus a cost of living adjustment over the last five years of the agreement. At the end of the respective option periods, Boston College would no longer be required to purchase the properties at the set price, but would still retain the right of first refusal regarding any future sale of the properties.

About four months ago, the Archdiocese announced plans to sell 28 acres of its campus to pay off the $85 million settlement it reached with victims of sexual abuse by clergy.

"This agreement in principle is a milestone event for Boston College, and I believe it greatly benefits not only Boston College, but also the Archdiocese of Boston and the wider community," says Boston College president William P. Leahy SJ. "Purchasing this land is a major expenditure for BC, but it helps meet our longstanding need for additional space for playing fields and other campus facilities."