Res. No. 1455
Resolution calling upon the New York State Legislature to amend current State law in order to enable New York City to opt into a program providing a real property tax exemption to Cold War Veterans.
By Council Members Recchia Jr., Avella, Comrie, Gentile, James, Koppell, Liu, Nelson, Palma, Vacca, Weprin and Gerson
Whereas, In 2007, the New York State legislature passed a law (A.0583/S.4697), which established a real property tax exemption for Cold War Veterans; and
Whereas, A “Cold War Veteran” is defined as one who served in the United States Armed Forces during the time period from September 2, 1945 to December 26, 1991; and
Whereas, This legislation made such exemptions optional for counties, cities, towns and villages; and
Whereas, The legislation also required that each locality hold public hearings before adopting a local law granting an exemption, and that each locality had to opt into the program no later than 90 days before the “taxable status date next occurring” for the locality; and
Whereas, The legislation was signed into law on August 29, 2007, with amendments adopted in January, 2008; and
Whereas, While for much of New York State, the next taxable status date occurred in March 2008, in New York City that date took place substantially earlier, on January 5, 2008; and
Whereas, Because of time constraints, New York City was essentially unable to participate in this program; and
Whereas, In order for the City of New York to choose participation in this program, the New York State legislature would need to amend the law and set a new deadline by which opting into the program would need to occur; and
Whereas, Amending the existing law by changing the opt-in date would allow New York City to proceed with necessary steps to provide this property tax exemption to City residents who are Cold War Veterans; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls upon the New York State Legislature to amend current State law in order to enable New York City to opt into a program providing a real property tax exemption to Cold War Veterans.
JP
LS 5229
5/29/08