BNAR Working to Re-Establish Two Task Forces

Representatives from the local REALTORS’ association are working to restore two regional task forces. The Distressed Properties Task Force (DPTF) was created in 2007 by Erie County Legislator Bob Reynolds who was voted out of office in 2009 and replaced by Lynne Dixon. Ms. Dixon is attempting to reform the group and the BNAR has offered its assistance. The DPTF was instrumental in bringing together village, town and city representatives from across the county to discuss and rectify housing problems. One of its direct contributions was state legislation creating land banking.

Proposed state legislation calling for the full assessment of condominiums and cooperatives (A9790 Galef/S256 Little) is necessitating the reconvening of a group which will look for a compromise position. Currently, patio home and condominium owners which belong to associations receive a 50% to 60% mark down in property taxes to offset the services which are paid for through maintenance fees. The bills submitted by Assemblywoman Galef and Senator Little would completely eliminate the reduction, forcing residents to pay both maintenance fees and taxes. The “double hit” would not only force some of the mostly senior owners to sell their homes, it would cause all properties in the area to decline in value.

Source: BNAR