Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder is calling on the city Department of Finance to hold property tax workshops in Sandy-damaged communities such as Howard Beach and the Rockaways.
Photo Courtesy of Assemblyman Goldfeder’s Office
Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder (D-Ozone Park) this week asked the city Department of Finance to add additional workshops in Howard Beach and the Rockaways to accommodate Sandy-impacted homeowners concerned with their property taxes.
According to the Finance website, two Notice of Property Value workshops and Tax Commission public briefings are scheduled for Queens—both in Jamaica later this month.
In a letter to Finance Commissioner Jacques Jiha, Goldfeder urged the agency to schedule hearings in both Howard Beach and the Rockaways to accommodate families unable to make the Feb. 10th and 19th workshops in Jamaica. Goldfeder wrote that many families are currently rebuilding or doing major renovations to their Sandy-damaged properties, and that they would benefit from meetings held “closer to home.” He also noted the large senior populations in southern Queens and Rockaway, and the need for information on tax programs like the Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption and Enhanced School Tax Relief.
“So many of our families in southern Queens and Rockaway are homeowners who were completely devastated by Superstorm Sandy,” Goldfeder said. “The Dept. of Finance should make it as easy as possible for homeowners to learn their rights and responsibilities ahead of tax season, especially as many still struggle to recover. By holding property tax workshops in southern Queens and Rockaway, the city will make it that much more convenient for homeowners to get the information they need.”
According to the agency, morning and evening NOPV workshops are scheduled in all five boroughs to allow homeowners to meet with representatives from Finance and the city Tax Commission. Homeowners can ask questions about their property’s market and assessed values, learn how to dispute their assessed values, and receive help with making changes to their property description.
“The city’s tax rules can be difficult enough for a homeowner without having to understand how Superstorm Sandy damages and reconstruction work might impact property tax assessments,” said Joann Ariola, president of the Howard Beach-Lindenwood Civic. “We have many families in Howard Beach that would benefit greatly from these courses as they navigate all of the different rebates and special Sandy exemptions out there.”
By Forum Staff
