State’s Land Purchase Will Impact Grafton Taxes
November 28, 2008 by eastwickpress · 1 Comment
from the Legislative Majority
Rensselaer County Legislator Lester Goodermote, who represents the towns of Stephentown, Berlin, Petersburgh, Grafton, Hoosick and the Village of Hoosick Falls, said he is concerned about the amount of revenue lost to local governments from the State’s purchase of acreage in the Town of Grafton.The State’s purchase of 118 acres of property formerly owned by the Troy Housing Authority for $400,000 means the property comes off the tax rolls, which will hurt Grafton, Rensselaer County, the Berlin Central School District and the local fire district. Because the land was purchased by the State, the School District will lose $6,638.26 annually in tax payments, and a combined amount of $3,996.46 will be lost to the County, Town and fire district.
“The State’s purchase of this 118 acre parcel means more financial pressure on local taxpayers. Taking this property off the tax rolls costs Grafton, Rensselaer County and Berlin School District money that will have to be made up elsewhere,” said Goodermote.
“The loss of the tax revenues is a particularly hard hit for the Town and the School District, especially during these tough financial times. It is very unfortunate the State did not work more closely with local officials, who are already coping with tough financial conditions. I understand the Grafton Town Board stated their concern about this purchase, but, unfortunately, those concerns were ignored,” added Goodermote.
Goodermote said he would like the State to consider offering Grafton a payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT), especially since the Town already hosts a large state park. A similar PILOT is extended to the City of Albany for losing taxable properties on the area occupied by the Empire State Plaza. The Grafton Town Board has already adopted resolutions supporting a PILOT.
“I think it would be fair for the State to consider some reasonable way to make up the considerable revenues lost to Grafton for having such large amounts of non-paying state parkland in their town. It’s a matter of fairness,” said Goodermote.
Priceless……
Although I understand the financial pressures that the State’s land purchase may cause, I can’t express enough on how overly excited I feel over this transaction. The tax issue that has not yet been resolved is a small cost to pay when weighing out the benefits that this purchase creates for the public. Preservation of our natural resources, including the wetlands, streams, and White Lilly pond existing on this parcel is a worth more than wishing for an organization to purchase the parcel solely to subdivide and develop it for a tax revenue. But of course, economic times like now, puts further pressure on us to lean towards choosing revenues over the preservation of natural resources, which we shouldn’t fall for because it will only result in hurting our future generations. Think of the State’s purchase of this beautiful White Lilly property as an investment for our future generations. It’s truly a priceless transaction when thinking about how White Lilly will now be associated with providing recreational activities including fishing, snowshoeing, and hiking, as well as environmental education for children and their families to experience. What’s better than providing a place for families to spend quality time together in the outdoors?
As I understand it, the Troy Housing Authority was limited on who they could sell this parcel to anyways, because it is stated in the parcel’s deed that only a non-profit organization could purchase it. One of the previous landowners from many generations ago must have cared deeply about the property, understanding what this parcel could potentially offer.
Priceless……