Res 0079-2018

By Council Members Maisel, Brannan, Holden, Kallos, Yeger, Borelli and Ulrich Whereas, New York City homeowners have seen an increase in their property tax bills in recent years as the value of their properties has risen; and Whereas, Senior citizens who own their homes in New York City find it difficult to afford these increases, especially when living on fixed incomes; Whereas, Existing programs for property tax relief such as the Senior Citizen Homeowner Exemption (SCHE) are underutilized; and Whereas, Even for those senior homeowners receiving SCHE or other property tax exemptions, property tax payments can represent a meaningful financial burden; and Whereas, The Council has recently enacted legislation raising the maximum income for SCHE eligibility to $58,400; and Whereas, According to the AARP, twenty-eight states and the District of Columbia currently offer property tax deferral programs; and Whereas, Legislation has previously been introduced in the New York State Assembly that would allow seniors to defer their annual property tax increase, making them responsible solely for the amount paid at the time of the legislation's enactment; Whereas, Such legislation would allow the City to receive the difference in the annual increase, without interest, once the home is sold or when the senior resident passes away; Whereas, Adopting such legislation would provide senior homeowners protection against rising property assessments and make it easier for them to afford to stay in their homes and communities; now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls upon the State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign, legislation that would grant a property tax deferment for persons sixty-five years of age or older with an annual income below $58,400. ENB LS 4404 1/9/18