Have you seen all the “Don’t Let Tax, Water, or Repair Charges Come Between You and Your Property” full page ads in your daily and weekly newspapers?
Even worse was the 118-page supplement which appeared in The New York Daily News on Monday, February 11. It listed line by line the name of every New Yorker who owes real estate taxes, water, sewer, emergency repair or other property-related charges. Is this the best way the NYC Departments of Finance, Environmental Protection and Housing Preservation and Development can spend taxpayers’ dollars?
Why can’t all three agencies compare their respective lists of people who owe money with those filing city and state tax returns? Surely the technology exists to place a lien on any tax refunds? You could also extend citizens the courtesy of a telephone call or letter or e-mail informing them of their overdue obligations.
What’s next, will the city send out marshals going door to door serving subpoenas?
Larry Penner
Great Neck
