Politics & Government

Avella Bill Would Prevent Property Tax Increases

State senator's legislation would halt property tax increases on homes where assessed values decreased the previous year.

State Sen. Tony Avella, D-Bayside, has introduced a bill that would prohibit the city from increasing property taxes on homes where an assessed value has decreased in the previous year.

The senator said property owners in his northeast Queens district have been subject to huge property tax increases during the past decade as a result of the housing boom.

But as the housing market dropped substantially due to the recession that began in 2008, property values have yet to recover from these declines. However, the city continues to increase property taxes with no regard to property values that have declined and not recovered, Avella said.

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“I adamantly fought against property tax hikes during my tenure in the City Council, voting against the two property tax increases,” the senator said. “Every year, property taxes are increased and more and more homeowners, especially seniors are uncertain if they can afford to pay the property tax and keep a roof over their head at the same time.”

Under Avella’s legislation, the city would not be allowed to increase property taxes on homes where assessed values had gone down during the previous year.

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“City statistics show that my own home since 2008 has decreased in value approximately $200,000, yet my assessed value has increased $4,000,” said Kim Cody, president of the Greater Whitestone Taxpayers Civic Association. “Show me where this is right.”


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