Forum: Taxes
March 25, 2008
Huge taxation increase - What to do?
I am writing this question on behalf of a good friend of mine who owns a small commercial property on the Clinton Hill/Bed Stuy border off of Fulton Street. Last year, taxes for his commercial property (i.e small parking garage with office) ran in the area of $12,000. This year, they are being raised to $30,000 with no explanation. He is trying to hire a lawywer, but is having difficulty finding someone with experience in this issue to handle his case. The taxation department has reviewed his case already at his request, and does not seem to be budging on the increase. My friend wonders if something fishy is going on, and I have to agree with him. Over the past few years many investors have approached him with offers to buy his property (the building is not what they are after -- obviously it's the land for building coops, or whatever). At any rate, he's never entertained selling, which is why he's wondering if someone is behind the sudden taxation increase (i.e. [getting someone from that office on their payroll) to force his hand into selling. Sounds a bit paranoid, I realize, but stranger things have been known to happen. Anyway, he wants to keep his place, but doesn't want to pay the increase in taxes. I'd appreciate any suggestions or recommendations you might have. Thanks in advance for your help.
March 24, 2008
CONGESTION TAX IN NEW YORK STATE COMMITTEE WIT NO SPONCOR
March 24, 2008
Senator Rules Introduces Congestion Pricing Bill
Mayor Bloomberg released a statement this morning praising Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno and his GOP majority conference for "once again demonstrating their commitment to the people of this city and state" by introducing Gov. David Paterson's congestion pricing program bill.
Bloomberg noted that an "overwhelming majority of New Yorkers" support the pay-to-drive plan when told the cash it will generate will be invested in mass transit improvements.
(He did not address the issue raised in this morning's Q poll that about half of New Yorkers don't buy elected officials' pledges that the money will indeed be used for that purpose).
"Together with the Governor, we will continue to work to address the concerns of our partners in the State Legislature and the City Council – including concerns about the impact on lower income drivers and making sure we receive revenue from commuters who use Port Authority crossings," Bloomberg added.
The timely passage of this bill will result in New York getting $354 million in federal funds, which will be used for immediate transit improvements. This is another step in the right direction."
The mayor's statement came out before the Senate even had a chance to annouce that it had introduced the bill, which Paterson said late last week he would be sending to the respective legislative houses.
The bill is being sponsored by the illustrious and mysterious Senator Rules - in other words, it's in the Senate Rules Committee, which is controlled by Bruno, but has no formal sponsor.
This is a handy way of dealing with potentially controversial legislation as it wends its way through the legislative process.
http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/dailypolitics/2008/03/senator-rules-introduces-conge.html