Close to 100 Home Owners Benefit from Assistance from Department of Finance and the UJO
Excerpt from Yiddish article in Der Yid’s February 1, 2019 edition
Session arranged together with NY City Councilman Stephen Levin, and the president of the Tax Commission - House and condo owners who believe their property taxes are too high should request a review and appeal
Brooklyn, NY –Williamsburg house and condo owners participated Monday night, January 28 in a seminar with the Department of Finance. Home/condo owners gathered to hear more information on how their taxes are assessed and how the homeowners can appeal their assessment. The session was a result of the UJO of Williamsburg's meeting with the Department of Finance while the UJO advocated on this issue. As a result, the Department of Finance volunteered at the meeting to make an event to help Williamsburg residents appeal their taxes.
Rabbi David Neiderman, UJO Executive Director and President, opened the session by explaining the issues and that the UJO is advocating for home and condo owners. In the meantime, it is recommended that the home and condo owners appeal their assessments if they believe they are too high under the current laws. This is an issue the people have to make sure that they appeal. If not, it will carry on year after year and causes taxes to rise. Advocates for this issue include former state Senator Daniel Squadron as well as his successor State Senator Brian Kavanagh, Councilman Stephen Levin and Assemblyman Joe Lentol. The UJO also noted the assistance received from Pinny Ringel in the mayor’s office.
At the session, this Monday attendees listened to the presentation of how taxes are assessed and how they can be appealed. A presentation was given by the Department of Finance as well as by the Tax Commission. These are two separate departments which should both be utilized by homeowners for the appeal process as they represent two appeal options. One can request a review by the Department of Finance, and then there is an appeal process to take to the Tax Commission. Homeowners are encouraged to do both to preserve their rights.
“I am very thankful to the Department of Finance,” said Rabbi Niederman, “and our devoted Councilman Stephen Levin and the City Council for providing this service. I also want to thank Councilman Levin for his continued intervention on the issue of homeowner taxes.”
Rabbi Niederman also expressed a special thanks to Mr.. Lincoln Restler from the Mayor’s office and Mrs. Jenny Berger for helping arrange the tax session and assuring that people get the maximum assistance to be able to best serve the community.
“It is fortunate to have such a devoted neighbor as Mr. Restler working tirelessly with regards to these issues,” says Rabbi Niederman. “We are very thankful for him for his continued readiness to intervene when the community needs assistance.”
