New Laws Open Doors For Oneonta Housing

ONEONTA, 10/21/14 – State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I- Oneonta) today announced legislation he sponsored, authorizing the City of Oneonta Common Council to provide tax exemptions for those building new homes in the city has been signed into law by Governor Cuomo.  Senator Seward’s bill (S.5991) follows a home rule request from the City of Oneonta.

The legislation will allow the city to provide tax exemptions to real property owners for the construction of new homes.  The measure is similar to another bill (S.5992) sponsored by Senator Seward, recently signed into law, which allows the city to offer tax exemptions to property owners who convert multiple dwelling buildings to an owner occupied single family home or two-unit home. 

“The City of Oneonta has so much to offer homeowners - wonderful neighborhoods, historic homes, and choice locations,” said Senator Seward.  “There are so many reasons to live and raise a family in Oneonta and these new property tax incentives will be another way the city can encourage home ownership.”

City of Oneonta Mayor Dick Miller said, “"The City of Oneonta is enacting a number of strategies to make it easier for those who wish to acquire, rehabilitate and reside in our homes. We greatly appreciate Senator Seward's support in this endeavor."

A home rule request from the City of Oneonta prompted the legislation which was sponsored in the state assembly by Assemblyman Bill Magee.

The state law will take effect immediately. The City of Oneonta will need to pass its own local law granting the exemption.

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