Resolution calling on the New York State Assembly to pass A.6272, the New York State Senate to pass S.4490, and the Governor to sign such legislation, which would provide a property tax exemption for privately-owned vacant land while such property is being used for the public benefit.

By Council Members Levin, Chin, Eugene, Gentile, Rose, Wills and Kallos

Whereas, In the urban landscape of the City of New York, there is a demand for public space and a need for the benefits that derive therefrom; and

Whereas, There are numerous parcels of privately-owned vacant land in the City which are not currently under development for economic or other reasons; and

Whereas, Private owners of such vacant land may need a financial incentive to develop these properties, even temporarily, into positive amenities for the public; and

Whereas, A.6272 was introduced in the New York State Assembly on March 20, 2015 and S.4490 was introduced in the New York State Senate on March 24, 2015; and

Whereas, Both pieces of legislation would provide a property tax exemption for privately-owned vacant property so long as such property is used for the public benefit, and not for any profitable purpose for the owner, for a minimum of twenty hours per week in November through March and twenty-five hours per week in April through October; and

Whereas, According to the New York State Legislature’s Memorandum in Support of the legislation, it has been shown that public spaces, such as community gardens, stabilize neighborhoods and add vitality to their immediate surroundings; and

Whereas, In addition to community gardens, urban farms have proven to be a crucial link in providing fresh food of different varieties to areas that may not have sufficient access to such fresh food; and

Whereas, So-called “pop-up parks,” or land that is intentionally temporarily transformed into park area, is another recent urban development that provides additional space to the public for rest and recreation; and

Whereas, Beneficial uses of vacant land could improve the quality of life for residents in the surrounding neighborhood; now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls upon the New York State Assembly to pass A.6272, the New York State Senate to pass S.4490, and the Governor to sign such legislation, which would provide a property tax exemption for privately-owned vacant land while such property is being used for the public benefit.

RC 03-25-2014

LS#2771

Revised Reintro Res. 1869/2013

LS#4830