<p>I’m actually surprised that this is a new thing for ND. Many colleges and universities do this: it is called voluntary payments in lieu of taxes. It seems like the right thing to do.
[South</a> Bend Tribune: Notre Dame gives back to local governments](<a href=“http://www.southbendtribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090630/News01/906300330/1130]South”>http://www.southbendtribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090630/News01/906300330/1130)
"Although not required by law, some colleges and universities across the country make voluntary payments to build relationships and to help support their communities.</p>
<p>For example, Harvard University has made voluntary payments in lieu of taxes to Cambridge (Mass.) since 1928, when Harvard was among the first universities in the country to do so. In 2007 Harvard paid a total of $15 million to Cambridge, including taxes, a payments-in-lieu-of-taxes program and fees, the New England Real Estate Journal reported. Harvard also makes voluntary payments to the city of Boston."</p>