Politics & Government

Village Board Approves Sandy Property Tax Relief

Unanimously approved law allows residents with over 50 percent damage to receive relief on previous year's taxes.

The Lindenhurst Village Board unanimously approved a new law that allows for tax assessment relief for properties hit hardest by Hurricane Sandy.

The new law, which only affects the previous year's taxes, allows the village to opt into New York State's Superstorm Sandy Assessment Relief Act.

The state's law allows for towns and villages to adopt laws that grant assessment relief to property owners impacted by the October 2012 storm. The relief will come in the form of rebates on the previous year's taxes based on a scale of the amount of damage taken by the property starting at 50 percent.

Village Mayor Thomas Brennan stressed the new law only affects the village taxes, rather than town or school taxes – both of which usually amount to more for homeowners.

"We are trying to be fair to every single resident here in the village. Some have not adopted this, some will do the same we will," Brennan said during a public hearing before the board meeting when the measure was approved.

Village residents affected by the storm came out and voiced their support of the measure during the hearing.

"I had five feet of water in my basement, and I think I should get a discount," said Arthur Alfredsen, a Pacific Street resident. "We need help!"

Unlike the town or school districts that enact the law though, the village government will not be reimbursed by the state for the relief given to residents – a point noted by Brennan during the hearing.

The tax relief is expected to take the form of either cash or credits, or a combination of the two depending on the final amount owed to the taxpayer.

Village residents impacted by Hurricane Sandy are urged to drop by village hall starting Thursday for applications to receive a refund. Residents must have a letter from the village building inspector stating the percentage of damage on their property or properties in order to qualify.

Impacted residents will have until January 21 to apply.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here