Staten Island’s City Councilmember Reminds New Yorkers, Affected Islanders, To Testify At Public Hearing For Pied-a-Terre Tax

Editor’s note: Staten Island residents who don’t want to travel to Manhattan to testify at this hearing can sign up to testify in Zoom or in-person at this link.  The controversial rollout is an evolving situation, with a much less clear end than the one for the paraprofessionals in New York City we reported on over the weekend.  In that case, it was completely ridiculous what was being done to these elderly, disabled retirees, most of whom were injured on the job and forced to stop working.  Their pensions were reduced by more than half without notice, but the United Federation of Teachers, with the pressure of many organizations and community media outlets, decided to fight back for their retirees in this instance.  This is in sharp distinction to the lack of help that has been given for the retirees’ fight against their being forced in Medicare ‘Advantage,’ which we will be covering later this week.  

As far as the pied-a-terre tax goes, this has been controversial from the start, and the list of all possibly maybe eligible homeowners being released without redactions or even being checked in the most basic way for accuracy, upset a great many New Yorkers – especially those on the list in error.  Like the Borough President, who was lumped together with his father, and Senator Scarcella-Spanton, who resides in her Staten Island home as a primary residence, along with multiple members of her own family and constituents who were working- and middle-class.  At this point, a Staten Island judge has sided with the plaintiffs, and the City was barred from continuing with the rollout, and they were ordered to remove the list.  The Mayor’s Office immediately appealed the decision, which has been accepted, and the rollout is allowed to continue while the case plays out.  As we have previously noted, a state, in this case New York State, is completely allowed to create and demand new taxes from its residents, as long as they go through the proper legal channels (and are passed in the Senate and Assembly and signed by the governor, as in this case.  So, it is likely that those 17,000 New Yorkers will have to eventually pay this tax, and probably next year as well.  But the City will likely be ordered to be more diligent, careful, and discreet about the whole matter, and less rushed overall.  That is the main complaint of the lawsuit, and of the Borough President, as discussed in his previous statements on the matter.  

This page will populate on the day of the hearing with more information and a link to the livestream.

Below is an update on the hearing, along with other updates from Councilmember Hanks: 

On Tuesday, August 18, at 1:00 PM, the New York City Council will hold a public oversight hearing on the new pied à-terre tax and the notices recently sent to residents. If you received one of these notices or believe you may be affected, I strongly encourage you to register using the link above and make sure your voice is part of the conversation.

We are also celebrating a meaningful moment for Staten Island. Our borough flag is now officially recognized and protected in the City’s Administrative Code. Staten Island has a strong identity and a deep sense of pride, and I am glad to have played a role in ensuring this symbol is formally recognized for years to come.

And of course, we are ending the month with one of my favorite community traditions, our 3rd Annual Back-to-School Giveaway. Families can join us for free backpacks and school supplies, food, refreshments, family fun, and a basketball clinic with the Jr. Knicks and Knicks alumni. Registration is required for the basketball clinic, and you can find the link here.

As always, thank you for allowing me the privilege of serving you. My office will continue working to keep you informed, bring resources directly into our neighborhoods, and make sure the voices of Staten Islanders are heard.

If you’ve received a letter regarding the new pied à-terre tax, now is your opportunity to speak directly to the New York City Council. On Tuesday, August 18, at 1:00 PM, the Council will host a public oversight hearing where residents can share their experiences, ask questions, and provide feedback on the new tax and the notices that were recently mailed. Registration is required to testify. Click here to register.

We’re excited to host our 3rd Annual Back to School Backpack Giveaway in partnership with the New York Knicks! Join us for an afternoon of family fun featuring free backpacks and school supplies, food, music, and a free basketball clinic led by the Junior Knicks. Parents or guardians must be present for children to receive a backpack. Registration is required for the basketball clinic. Click here to register.

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Banner Image: Hearing flyer. Image Credit – CM Hanks