NY Legislature Passes 3-Year Phase In after Reassessment

We never believed that having a change in NYS law to accommodate a three-year phase-in for those people whose assessments during the revaluation were increased would ever happen. Apparently we underestimated the control Mr Feiner has over Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Tom Abinanti and now Sandy Galef. This must still be signed by Governor Cuomo to be enacted, so we’ll see how this finishes. 

While this story is unsubstantiated, Mr Feiner just took advantage of the Town’s self-controlled GBList and sent this email below out to residents. While most of the issue can be attributed to previous Supervisors as well, Mr Feiner ignore revaluation for the past 24-years of his term, adding to the impact the “reval” had throughout the Town. Here’s what he said:

“The New York State Senate and Assembly has approved legislation enabling the town of Greenburgh to phase in tax hikes over a three year period for those impacted by the reassessment. By the third year all property owners will pay 100% of their taxes.  The approved legislation now goes to the Governor.

Greenburgh is reassessing properties for the first time in 60 years. Although most residents of the town will experience no tax hikes as a result of the reassessment  - some have received bad news--significant tax hikes. In recent weeks I have met with property owners who have seen their taxes increases by 50%, 100%, 200% --even more. Neighborhoods most impacted were Irvington, Hastings & Edgemont. The phase in legislation only applies to tax hikes, not tax decreases. The legislation will help us have a smooth reassessment transition. Neighborhoods impacted negatively by the reassessment will be able to avoid panic selling. And, those residents who are being impacted by the reassessment will have little more time to plan what they want to do with their properties.  

I would like to thank State Senator Andrea Stewart Cousins and Assemblyman Tom Abinanti for working very hard on this initiative. A special thank you to Assemblywoman Sandra Galef, chair of the Real Property Committee in the Assembly for her assistance. All the Town Board members - Francis Sheehan, Diana Juettner, Kevin Morgan and Ken Jones - did whatever they could to lobby for the legislation.  This is a big victory and was difficult to achieve. Some bloggers posted on blogs that the chances of the legislation being approved by state lawmakers was remote.

The revenue that the school district will raise will not be affected by this legislation.  The tax levy will be the same; it will then be allocated as always based on the entire assessed valuation for the school district and the tax rate.  This bill will be revenue neutral for the school.

The legislation does not require the school district to take any action.    The assessor will finalize the assessment roll for the district, determine the tax rate and send out the tax bills as usual.   There will be no impact in this regard on the schools as well.

In 2009 and 2010, before the town decided to reassess, Assessor Edye McCarthy and I spoke before dozens of groups (village, school, civic groups) and discussed the reassessment process.  I indicated to groups that I met with that I would push for a phase in process if we implemented the reassessment. Earliert (sic) this year some residents sent me the video of my remarks - to remind me!  I am pleased that we will be able to keep the promises made to the community. 

If you are not satisfied with the assessment on your property please be advised that the last day to file a grievance at Town Hall (to appear before the Board of Assessment & Review) is next week: June 21. Town Hall will be open till 9 pm on the 21st.  Call 989 1520 (assessor's office for more info).”