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` LEGISLATION COMMITTEE MINUTES, June 4, 1996
MEMBERS:
Thomas J. Abinanti, Andrew A. Albanese, Louis A. Mosiello, Paul J. Noto, George Latimer
LEGISLATORS:
Ursula La Motte, Katherine Carsky, Andrea Stewart-Cousins
STAFF:
Dolores Heredia, Lori La Salvia, Christine Gentile (BOL Interns)
GUEST:
See Legislation Sign In Sheet of 6/4/96.
The meeting commence at 3:45 PM. The sole topic of discussion was the proposed Home Rule Request for Assembly Bill 8053-B, Senate Bill 5299-A -- authorizing Westchester to adopt a new plan for evaluation of real property.
Leg. Abinanti commenced by recapping the previous Legislation Committee.
The first speaker was Mr. Mark Tulis. Mr. Tulis supports the revaluation\proposal for the following reasons:
1. The proposed classification system protects the homeowner from the shifts in the commercial class. This protection does not mean that the commercial class will have higher tax burden; rather, it only provides flexibility.
2. Each individual community can protect homeowners by shifting burden on a year by year basis.
3. Protections (a) five-year phase-in for any increase. (b) best senior tax exemption in New York State. (c) special exemptions (d) no change in veteran’s exemptions
Leg. Abinanti noted that once the class system is enacted it has to be used according to the bill. Mr. Tulis continued to note that Coops will be valued in the same way they are now -- on the basis of income. However, Condos are in class one. Market value will LEGISLATION COMMITTEE MINUTES, June 4, 1996 Page - 2 -
affect condos not coops. Leg. Abinanti noted how businesses have the means by which to challenge their taxes by challenging and slowly bring down their assessments. This is shifting the burden of taxes in the entire county from commercial to all residential. Because most homeowners have not challenged their assessments, the homeowners have unfair and inaccurate assessments. This legislation is trying to reassess everyone to place everyone at a fair assessment. Mr. Tulis concluded that is a "fairness" bill.
Mr. Saul Shapiro representing the Building & Realty Co. expressed his opposition, Ms. Pearl Frisch representing Carriagehouse expressed her opposition through a letter delivered to the Chair at the meeting. Mr. Eugene Albert representing Westchester Building Institute stated his opposition. Michael Pearl representing Cooperative and Condo Advisory Council spoke at length as to why he opposed this bill. Mr. William A. Klein of New Rochelle expressed his opposition to this bill. Mr. Herb Rose representing Condo Coop Advisory Council expressed his opposition this bill.
Elaine Price, Supervisor of Mamaroneck expressed her support and the support of her Town Board for this bill. Leg. Albanese expressed that the Town of Eastchester supports this bill and the Village of Tuchahoe supports this Bill. In addition, the Village of Scarsdale, by fax, sent a resolution in support of this bill.
After public comment, Leg. Latimer noted that although there is apprehension about this bill, it is still better than the status quo.
Leg. Noto stated that this legislation is "fairer" than the current status quo. He believes too many people are paying more than their fair share of and many people are not paying their fair share. In addition, there is a terrible burden on seniors.
Leg. Abinanti stated that we must have a real property tax system and what we are trying to do is revise the current system and make it a little more palatable and fairer for everyone.
Motion by Leg. Latimer to accept this resolution, second by Legislator Noto. All in favor [4-0].
Mr. Albanese moved to adjourned. The meeting adjourned at 5:50 PM
(A taped copy of this meeting is on file)
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