File #: Res 0508-2004    Version: * Name: Tax exemption on all clothing and footwear for the week of Sept 7-13, 2004
Type: Resolution Status: Adopted
Committee: Committee on Finance
On agenda: 8/12/2004
Enactment date: Law number:
Title: Resolution calling upon the State Legislature to immediately introduce and adopt, and the Governor to sign, legislation which would provide an additional sales tax exemption week on all clothing and footwear costing up to $110 per item from September 7 to September 13, 2004, for a 31-block area between 30th and 36th Streets from Park Avenue to Tenth Avenue.
Sponsors: Gifford Miller, Christine C. Quinn, David I. Weprin, Tony Avella, Leroy G. Comrie, Jr., James F. Gennaro, Sara M. Gonzalez, Letitia James, Allan W. Jennings, Jr., Michael E. McMahon, Michael C. Nelson, Bill Perkins, Philip Reed, Joel Rivera, Larry B. Seabrook, Jose M. Serrano, Kendall Stewart, John C. Liu
Council Member Sponsors: 18
Attachments: 1. Committee Report, 2. Hearing Transcript, 3. Hearing Transcript - Stated Meeting 8/12

Res. No. 508

 

Resolution calling upon the State Legislature to immediately introduce and adopt, and the Governor to sign, legislation which would provide an additional sales tax exemption week on all clothing and footwear costing up to $110 per item from September 7 to September 13, 2004, for a 31-block area between 30th and 36th Streets from Park Avenue to Tenth Avenue.

 

By the Speaker (Council Member Miller) and Council Members Quinn, Weprin, Avella, Comrie, Gennaro, Gonzalez, James, Jennings, McMahon, Nelson, Perkins, Reed, Rivera, Seabrook, Serrano, Stewart and Liu

 

                      Whereas, From August 30 to September 2, 2004, retail businesses around Madison Square Garden will face unprecedented security and transportation disruptions as a result of the Republican National Convention; and

Whereas, Approximately 300,000 commuters will be displaced or disadvantaged during each day of the Republican National Convention, which could cost $19 million in lost productivity; and

Whereas, Concerns about security threats and general overcrowding may lead tourists to avoid New York City during the week of the convention, which could translate into $25 million in lost tourism revenue; and

Whereas, The Republican National Convention security plan will cause unavoidable disruption by closing off streets to city residents and tourists alike, and will likely cause many consumers to avoid one of the largest shopping districts in the city during the scheduled tax-free week (August 31 to September 6, 2004); and  

Whereas, The enhanced security and surveillance measures imposed on the City’s transportation infrastructure will force some businesses to close altogether and will lead many businesses to post lower than average profits for the week of the convention; and

Whereas, Media reports indicate that many Boston businesses in the vicinity of the Democratic Convention reported lagging sales and Boston’s Mayor has since attempted to encourage the provision of incentives to spur spending in the downtown area; and  

Whereas, Previous sales tax-free weeks have been extremely successful in increasing sales within New York City; and

Whereas, Attracting customers back to the area surrounding Madison Square Garden is a critical component of New York City’s economic vitality, now, therefore be it

Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls upon the State Legislature to immediately introduce and adopt, and the Governor to sign, legislation which would provide an additional sales tax exemption week on all clothing and footwear costing up to $110 per item from September 7 to September 13, 2004, for a 31-block area between 30th and 36th Streets from Park Avenue to Tenth Avenue.