Submitted by Residents, Homeowners, and Small Businesses of New York City

To:
Mayor of the City of New York
New York City Council
New York City Office of Management and Budget
New York City Comptroller

PURPOSE OF THIS PETITION

We, the residents, homeowners, small property owners, and small businesses of New York City are deeply concerned about the proposed 9.5% property-tax increase currently being considered as a line-item in the City’s budget negotiations.

Before any further action is taken towards increasing property taxes for New Yorkers, we ask City leadership to put these discussions on hold until adequate transparency, public outreach, and alternative budget solutions have been considered.

STATEMENT OF CONCERN

New Yorkers are already struggling with issues surrounding affordability.

Rent is too high.

Homeownership is out of reach.

And small businesses are working with razor-thin margins.

And now City leadership is floating a potential property-tax increase of up to 9.5%.

Residents across all five boroughs have voiced their concerns that while City leadership has framed this tax as something that would only be used as a “last resort,” decisions made at the beginning of budget negotiations have a way of becoming City policy. Proposals that have the potential to impact thousands of New Yorkers deserve more than a brief mention before a decision is made.

Property taxes impact more than just people that own property.

Tax hikes can impact rental prices, small landlords’ operating costs, and local businesses that serve our neighborhoods. All of these increases can compound and negatively affect renters, property owners, and small businesses.

New Yorkers aren’t unaware of the City’s budget challenges and the need to plan for a balanced budget. What we want is for City leadership to exhaust all other options and publicly review alternative solutions before deciding on a citywide property-tax hike.

TOP CONCERNS

1. Affordable Rent and Homeownership

Rent and homeownership is already too expensive in New York City. Any tax increase of this magnitude runs the risk of pricing out New Yorkers.

2. Property Taxes Can Affect Rent and Home Ownership Costs

Leased-based property taxes can impact landlords’ cost to operate and could potentially cause an increase in housing costs throughout our city.

3. Small Businesses Are Already Struggling

Small businesses operate on thin margins and are often the heart and soul of our neighborhoods. A tax increase will only cause some businesses to cut hours and lay off workers.

4. New Yorkers Deserve Transparency

New Yorkers deserve to know why a tax increase is needed, how much of an increase is necessary, and what it will be used for. We ask that these details be made public before a decision is made.

5. This Proposal Was Made Without any Public Process

Tax changes that can impact an entire city should be made with a public hearing, data transparency, and real opportunity for public review.

REQUESTS

We, the residents of New York City, ask that you:

Stop any propert tax increase from advancing until it has been publicly reviewed

Publicly disclose alternative budget solutions and cost savings

Fully disclose projected revenue needs and planned expenditures

Hold public hearings and feedback sessions

Review and disclose impact assessments around affordability and small businesses

CONCLUSION

New Yorkers are not opposed to upholding a responsible budget.

We understand that the city must make tough choices to maintain a balanced budget. However, when it comes to the affordability of our city, we cannot allow decisions to be made without transparency and public review.

We urge city leadership to consider the long-term effects these decisions will have on New York City’s renters, homeowners, and small businesses. Put a moratorium on any property tax increases until we can review this proposal.

CALL TO ACTION

If you’re a resident, homeowner, renter, or small business owner who share our concerns about affordability and transparency, please sign this petition.

Share this petition with your friends and neighbors.

Keith Powers

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