In the New York Post this article appeared regarding a Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (a potential replacement for House speaker Nancy Pelosi): “Brooklyn Congressman Hakeem Jeffries, a potential replacement for House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, already lives in a “People’s House” — that’s heavily subsidized by taxpayers.
Public records show that Jeffries and his family reside in a condo unit in red-hot Prospect Heights, paying just $213 a year in property taxes thanks to a sweetheart deal under a law he supported when he served in the state Assembly.
The condo the Jeffries bought in 2007 in the six-story, 40-unit complex on Underhill Avenue benefits from a massive property tax break granted under the 421-A abatement program that housing advocates have long complained is skewed toward wealthy developers and well-to-do tenants.
The law provides developers and residents property tax breaks over 25 or 35 years in exchange for making at least 20 percent of the apartments “affordable” for moderate- to low-income residents.
The generous subsidy program costs the city treasury up to $1.6 billion a year in property tax revenues, according to the comptroller’s office. The median property tax for city homeowners is more than $5,000.
One Staten Island condo owner told The Post their annual property tax bill is $5,000. A Queens homeowner said his bill is more than $9,000.”
I wonder how many politicians in local government have used their influence for the public good instead of following party lines or benefiting corporate interest groups? When, if ever, have you seen 10 or so choices on a ballot to vote on that in effect would lower overhead and reduce property taxes?
In college I learned a business principle called “The Economy of Scale” where growth incurs, efficiency results and less cost and overhead are passed on to those in control. Not here where I live! Seem like too many governments are turning into an enemy like Canadian and Australian elites that have recently turned into dictatorial despots. Only they know what is right! Sounds like a lot of state and local governments have that same attitude.
Rip-offs by politicians and special interest run rampant in the United States. It seems like none go to jail! Few are fined or punished. When 61% of Americans live paycheck to paycheck, according to lates polls, it’s time for political representatives to step up, evolve spiritually and serve those they represent!
Cops where I live get around $75,000 pensions where the garbage men, whose job is much more dangerous, who is much more needed, more alert, more physically fit to handle emergencies gets to live on just social security. Imagine not having your garbage collected in your town for a month? Who else is getting these giant perks that punish homeowners property tax assessment?
