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When Mayor Zohran Mamdani threatened last week to raise property taxes by 9.5% unless Gov. Kathy Hochul agrees to raise taxes on corporations and the wealthy to close the city’s budget gap, the governor didn’t blink.
Now, as the mayor’s supporters fan out to press his case, they are being met with widespread skepticism. Some lawmakers have pointed out that higher property taxes would disproportionately squeeze lower- and middle-class homeowners in neighborhoods that are predominantly of color, as well as renters, which would seem to run counter to Mamdani’s affordability agenda.
Others aren’t buying the mayor’s claims that while he doesn't really want to raise property taxes, if he must, the governor is to blame. “Voters don’t want or expect Mamdani to play games,” said political consultant Evan Roth Smith.
Should you care about this debate, even if you don’t own property? Why, yes, you should, and in the latest installment of our How to New York series, we explain why. The city’s complex property tax system, while unequal and outdated, is the engine of the city’s budget. The cost of these taxes affects retail space, how and where things get built, how much you pay in rent, and more.
During an all-day packed hearing, the City Council’s Committee to Combat Hate heard testimony about bills that would establish protest “buffer zones” at schools, campuses and houses of worship. Some unions and the New York Civil Liberties Union oppose the bills, saying they would give the NYPD too much power over who can protest. Council Speaker Julie Menin says the measures are needed to combat hate and antisemitism.
A council hearing on the city's response to a January winter storm was postponed due to this week's major snowfall. New Yorkers with disabilities who plan to testify about accessibility shortcomings during the two storms asked for a further delay of the hearing, now scheduled for Friday, noting that still-limited access to sidewalks, curb cuts and bus stops could keep some from attending or testifying in person.
The MTA threatened to sue the federal government Wednesday for refusing to cough up $58 million for work on the next phase of the Second Avenue Subway, a funding gap that the authority says puts the extension of the line to East Harlem in jeopardy.
In a letter to the feds, a lawyer for the MTA warned of legal action against the Trump administration unless past due reimbursements are paid by March 6. Federal funding for the project was suspended during last fall’s government shutdown.
The MTA maintains that the money is a must for moving forward with the next big contract on the $7 billion extension of the Q line from 96th to 125th streets. The nearly $1 billion contract is for excavation on the future stations at 106th and 116th streets.
“We’re going to hit the wall at some point in the not too distant future,” said Janno Lieber, MTA chairperson and chief executive. “And we just need everybody to understand, including the feds, the consequences of continuing to shut down funding.”
— Jose Martinez
Things To Do
Here’s what’s going on around the city this week.
Thursday, Feb. 26: Attend “Artists + Beers,” a screening series highlighting short films, docs and music videos by local filmmakers paired with beer at Threes Brewing in Gowanus. Free, at 6:00 p.m.
Friday, Feb. 27: Author Charlotte Moss will be discussing and signing copies of her new book “The Enchanting Interiors of Bunny Mellon,” at Rizzoli Bookstore about artist Snow Campell’s depictions of the famous Mellon residences. Free, RSVP encouraged at 6:00 p.m.
Friday, Feb. 27: An accountant, a spinal surgeon and an actor off from their day jobs will be performing in their multi-genre music trio “Mister Groove” at PAC NYC. Free, at 6:00 p.m.
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