Sandy homeowners to get tax break

A $4 million tax break program for Sandy homeowners has been signed into law by Governor Andrew Cuomo after pressure from New Yorkers, Mayor Bill de Blasio, and City Council members who pointed out the “double jeopardy” problem of homeowners being charged higher rates specifically because they spent money to repair their damaged homes.

The tax break will apply to around 7,000 buildings, most one- to three-family homes, and will bring an estimated $544 in savings per homeowner, beginning in July, 2014.

“Victims of Superstorm Sandy were being victimized all over again by unfair increases in their property tax bills [at] a time when many families’ budgets are stretched to the maximum and every dollar counts,” said Councilmember Mark Treyger, who represents the hard-hit neighborhoods of Coney Island and Sea Gate. “I am pleased that [officials saw] the urgent need to immediately address this issue.”

For eligibility requirements, contact 311 or the NYC Department of Finance at nyc.gov/finance.