Senator Returns To Towers To Address Variety Of Issues

Senator Frank Padavan returned to North Shore Towers on Thursday, July 31, answering many questions from residents that covered a wide variety of topics.
In introducing Padavan, Board member and Political Action Committee chair Murray Lewinter described him as someone who “has helped North Shore Towers more than any other political person in this area.”
Before opening the floor to questions from those gathered in Towers on the Green, Padavan highlighted recent changes that he felt would be of interest to residents. Among them were the legislation that was passed to extend the property tax abatement in New York City and passing legislation that eliminated taxing co-ops that produce their own energy. He also said that, two months ago, Access-a-Ride began going into Nassau County as far as North Shore Hospital.
Padavan also briefly discussed the budget, saying that New York City “is in very good shape economically and fiscally.” He added that the state would most likely have a hiring freeze.
As he began answering questions brought up by residents, Padavan addressed the snowbird tax and commuter tax. He explained that there used to be a commuter tax where a person paid a small percentage if they lived in Nassau County but worked in New York City. Saying that it was eliminated for political reasons, Padavan also said it would be very difficult to bring it back.
The snowbird tax refers to those who spend part of the year in New York State but maintain their legal residence elsewhere. Padavan said that this has to do with federal regulations and would have to be handled at that level.
When asked how be felt about public highways, bridges and tunnels being sold to produce revenue, Padavan spoke about the positives and negatives associated with it. He said that the new owner would be responsible for fixing and maintaining it, but that person would also be able to raise tolls.
Another inquiry focused on economic development in upstate New York. Padavan said that certain companies have left the state to go to places where labor is cheaper and where there is a more favorable tax system.
“We have set up what is known as economic zones where we provide tax incentives and we also provide assistance to those industries that are willing to locate there,” he said, adding that there is also an economic stimulus plan focused on such upstate areas.
Gambling in New York State was also discussed. Padavan said that economists describe gambling as a “zero sum game,” meaning that it is not going to bring in a lot of money unless people travel great distances to come for it. He said it can also cause negative issues such as producing individuals with gambling problems.
The rooftop antennae at the Towers were also brought up during the meeting. Padavan said that he knew the Towers had hired an independent engineering consultant to examine the situation. He also said that since they are considered a utility they “cannot be prohibited outright.” Instead, there has to be an amendment to the zoning resolution.
Citing a Shareholders Association meeting not being broadcast on the in-house channel, Padavan was asked if he knew of a provision under the business law granting equal access of the in-house channel. Padavan said that he did not know of such a provision, and also said that it is not an issue the state legislature would be involved in. He said that if that is something people want then the Board should do it, being that they are the elected representatives. Some of the other issues that were touched on included cigarette sales, divesting in businesses that do business with Iran, and control of small firearms.