Kaminsky, Solages Unveil Petition to Protect Taxpayers and Demand Reversal of Town of Hempstead IDA PILOT Agreement
October 10, 2016
Today, Senator Todd Kaminsky and Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages gathered with Valley Stream residents to unveil and sign a petition demanding the Town of Hempstead (“TOH”) Board take action to help reverse the TOH IDA’s $14 million payment in lieu of taxes (“PILOT”) agreement with Macerich, owner of Green Acres Mall.
This PILOT agreement – the largest that Nassau County has ever seen – will result in an immediate and significant increase in the property taxes of the hardworking residents of Valley Stream. As a result of the PILOT, taxpayers will see an average increase of 12.22% or $758 for residents within Valley Stream School District 30, 5.16% or $322 on average for residents within Valley Stream School District 24, and 4.6% or $324 on average for residents within Valley Stream School Districts 13.
Under New York General Municipal Law §856.2, members of an industrial development agency are appointed by, and serve at the pleasure, of the governing body of the municipality. Therefore, the TOH Board is the sole entity that can influence the TOH IDA to reconsider its agreement with Macerich and rectify this burdensome tax increase of the residents of Valley Stream.
Senator Kaminsky and Assemblywoman Solages, disgusted by this inequity against hard-working taxpayers, are requesting the TOH Board’s immediate action on behalf of Valley Stream residents.
“I am outraged, and Valley Stream taxpayers should be too,” said Kaminsky. “This is taxation without representation at its absolute worst. Long Islanders pay far more than their fair share as is and now taxes are going up without a dime's worth of input from the community. I stand shoulder to shoulder with the people of Valley Stream in strong opposition to this burdensome tax increase.”
Senator Kaminsky added, “The IDA is appointed by and serves at the pleasure of the Town of Hempstead Board. I call on the Board to immediately rectify this situation by demanding the IDA reverse its decision, and if not, demand their resignations. Valley Stream deserves answers and solutions and they deserve them immediately.”
“Town of Hempstead Industrial Development Agency has given a tax break to wealthy developers at the expense of the already burdened homeowners,” stated Assemblymember Michaelle C. Solages. “This outrageous tax hike will cripple Valley stream families. We must demand Supervisor Tony Santino and Hempstead Town Board reverse this tax break, as well as reorganize the Town of Hempstead IDA board and replace the current members who supported this measure with people who will put Valley Stream first.”
Kaminsky and Solages were the first to sign the petition, and a copy will be delivered to the TOH Board for their consideration.
