Quincy to Face Court Hearing Over Adams Academy Property
The city and the Adams Temple and School Fund will meet in Norfolk Superior Court on October 28 to resolve a property dispute.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Philanthropy
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Quincy and the Adams Temple and School Fund are set to appear in Norfolk Superior Court on October 28, 2026, to address a ongoing legal dispute regarding the eminent domain acquisition of the Adams Academy property. The conflict centers on whether the city paid a fair price for the land in 2021.
Why it matters
The outcome of this litigation will determine if the city of Quincy receives a refund for its 2021 payment or if it must provide additional compensation for the assets. This hearing addresses the valuation of property formerly held by a fund established by John Adams.
The city originally paid $1.8 million for the Adams Academy property in 2021, whereas the city recently assessed the land value at $681,800 in 2026. This dispute follows a 2015 court order requiring Quincy to pay $4.2 million to the Woodward School.
The players
John Adams
He was an American Founding Father who served as the second president of the United States.
Thomas Jalkut
He is the trustee who filed the lawsuit against the city regarding the management of the fund.
Quincy
This is a city in Massachusetts that serves as the site of the disputed property acquisition.
Norfolk Superior Court
This is the judicial body presiding over the ongoing legal dispute between the city and the fund.
The details
The lawsuit, filed by Thomas Jalkut in June 2024, follows a May 2024 Supreme Judicial Court ruling that the Adams Academy land was an asset of the fund created by John Adams in 1822. The city claims it overpaid for the site, while the fund trustee argues the initial payment was inadequate.
Timeline
1822: John Adams established the Adams Temple and School Fund.
2011: Norfolk County Probate Court transferred fund stewardship away from Quincy.
2021: The city of Quincy acquired the Adams Academy property through eminent domain.
June 2024: Thomas Jalkut filed the current lawsuit.
October 28, 2026: A hearing is scheduled at Norfolk Superior Court.
Market Landscape
This case highlights the complexities of municipal land acquisition and the potential for long-term litigation when valuations are contested. It reflects a broader trend of local governments facing scrutiny over property acquisitions and the management of historical institutional assets.
This legal action impacts taxpayers by questioning the fiscal management of city funds spent on property acquisitions. Residents should monitor the court's decision as it may affect future city budget allocations regarding the Adams Academy site.
The takeaway
Disputes over eminent domain often hinge on the difference between purchase price and market assessments. Property owners and municipal entities should ensure valuations are clearly documented to avoid lengthy legal challenges.
What happens next
A hearing is scheduled at the Norfolk Superior Court on October 28, 2026, to move forward with the compensation dispute.
Further reading
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Source note: This article includes information reported by The Patriot Ledger, Quincy, MA.
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