This week: Haverstraw Town Supervisor Howard Phillips responded to recent objections to the Town’s concerns over providing MPact with a PILOT program (Payment in Lieu of Taxes)
According to the NYC Department of Finance’s website:
“Manufacturing, industrial, and not-for-profit companies may receive property tax incentives through agreements with government agencies. The two agencies that issue these agreements are NYC Industrial Development Agency (IDA) and NYC Economic Development Corporation (EDC). Through these agreements, properties are exempt from property taxes and instead make a Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT).”
The debate over the proposed PILOT (Payment In Lieu of Taxes) program for MPact’s development at the former Chair Factory site in Haverstraw is centered on two main viewpoints: one advocating for the project, and the other raising concerns.
Haverstraw Town Supervisor Howard Phillips Responds
The Town was approached by developers who have proposed to build 450 affordable and market rental apartments north of Emeline Park (formerly known as the Empire Chair factory). The second phase would include a 120 room hotel. There is also a proposal for housing to be built at the municipal parking lot on Maple Ave also in the Village of Haverstraw.
Our concerns with the proposals are:
- Tax Impact on Residents: Concerns that low taxes in the PILOT agreement will burden local taxpayers to cover services.
- Lottery System Concerns: Open lottery means local residents aren’t guaranteed housing, as units are available to broader Hudson Valley.
- Town Services and Density: Project could strain town services, increase traffic, and add population density.
- Risk of Legal Challenges: Fear that PILOT agreement could lead to lawsuits from other property owners seeking tax reductions.
- Previous Projects Comparison: Believes past developments have better contributed to the tax base without such long-term tax breaks.
There are other ancillary concerns such as demand on Town services, traffic and further saturation in a downtown area which already has a tremendous population. We will continue to look at any and all proposals and keep you updated on their progress.
Additional information from Howard Phillips on this matter is available on the Town website here: Town of Haverstraw
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