By Rich Bockmann
Homeowners whose properties were damaged by Superstorm Sandy have been granted an extension to appeal their property tax assessments with the city.
When the storm hit in October, the city Department of Finance was in the home stretch of evaluating every property in the city, and in order to accommodate those affected by the storm the department extended the deadline for homeowners to file their Sandy damage form to March 15.
The city now plans to send homeowners a revised notice of property valuation, and they have 20 calendar days from when the letter is received to file their dispute with the city Tax Commission.
City Councilman Leroy Comrie (D-St. Albans), along with his colleagues, sent a letter to the commission urging for the extension.
“The extension giving victims of Superstorm Sandy the opportunity to have their properties reassessed lifts a major burden off the families that were greatly impacted by this tragedy,” he said. “Sandy was one of the biggest and most expensive natural disasters this city, and region, has ever had to face. Giving residents the time they need to get their lives back together is the least we can do.”
“This extension not only gives families that are still coping with Sandy’s aftereffects an opportunity to receive a fair property assessment, but it will also give the city a more accurate account of the property taxes they can expect for the next fiscal year,” Comrie added.
Reach reporter Rich Bockmann by e-mail at rbockmann@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-260-4574.
