Last Minute Wins in NY Legislature

Nearing the end of its spring session, the NYS legislature approved a bill that permits municipalities in the counties off Westchester and Putnam to levy real estate transfer taxes for the benefit of open space preservation and another that would enhance the state’s Environmental Protection Fund.

The Hudson Valley Community Preservation Act—limited to the counties of Putnam and Westchester-- authorizes municipalities in those counties to raise local revenue for the purpose of preserving local resources. Revenue would be generated through a locally-derived real estate transfer fee to be approved through local referendum.

The legislature also approved the EPF (Environmental Protection Fund) Enhancement Act, which would increase the dollar amount apportioned to the EPF from the state’s real estate transfer tax. This legislation, along with expansion of the bottle bill, has been a priority for environmental groups seeking to increase funding for the EPF, the state’s primary source of funding for environmental projects.

Governor Spitzer is expected to sign the HVCPA; however it will take a strong grassroots effort to convince the Governor to sign the EPF Enhancement Act.

Contact Governor Spitzer via email or via mail or phone.

Update 7/23/2007: The EPF Enhancement Act was signed by Governor Spitzer.

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