Addabbo, Pheffer To Bring Department Of Finance To Rockaways
State Sen. Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. (D-Howard Beach, Ozone Park, Woodhaven, Glendale, Middle Village, Maspeth and parts of South Ozone Park, Ridgewood, Woodside, The Rockaways) and Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato (D-Rockaway Beach) next month will bring members of the Department of Finance (DOF) to the Rockaways in order to help residents who have questions regarding their Notice of Property Value statement (NOPV), or those who want to enroll in property tax exemption programs.
Participants in the event will receive one-on-one assistance with a member from the Department of Finance to help them understand their NOPV, ask about their market and assessed values, as well as change their property’s description.
“Property values are a vital piece of information for homeowners so they know what they need to pay each year,” Addabbo said. “Unfortunately property values are always changing, so residents need to stay up-to-date on what they owe. DOF representatives will also be able to help enroll residents in property tax exemptions programs, if they qualify.”
“Having the Department of Finance come directly to our community is such an important service for everyone to take advantage of. My office has received numerous calls from homeowners inquiring what to do with a property value they feel is grossly inflated. At this seminar you can speak directly to DOF representatives about your property value, learn about exemptions, and how to apply to them – take advantage before the final day to appeal,” said Pheffer Amato.
Participants in the event will receive one-on-one assistance with a member from the Department of Finance to help them understand their NOPV, ask about their market and assessed values, as well as change their property’s description.
If you wish to receive assistance, please bring your Notice of Property Value statement. There will also be experts to help residents sign up for property tax exemptions. Property tax exemptions are available to seniors (65+), veterans, people with disabilities, and clergy members.
The event is slated for 5:30-7:30 p.m., Friday, March 6 at the Knights of Columbus, 333 Beach 90th Street in Rockaway Beach. In order to apply for these exemptions, please bring photo ID, tax returns or proof of income for 2018 or 2019 for all owners, DD214 or discharge papers (for veterans), and trust documents (if applicable).
To RSVP for a free appointment, call Senator Addabbo’s office at 718-738-1111 or Assemblywoman Pheffer Amato’s office at 718-945-9550.
Meng Testifies To Study The Creation Of An Asian Pacific American Museum
U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Bayside, Flushing, Forest Hills, Fresh Meadows, Glendale, Kew Gardens, Maspeth, Middle Village, Rego Park), Vice-Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, testified this week before the House Administration Committee to advocate for the passage of her legislation that would examine the possibility of creating the first national museum dedicated to preserving the history, culture, and accomplishments of Asian Pacific Americans (APA).
“It was an honor to testify before the House Administration Committee to bring attention to the urgent need to build a national museum dedicated to the Asian Pacific American story,” said Meng. “After all, our story is the American story, and Asian Pacific Americans have made immense and immeasurable contributions to this great nation. As long ago as 1850, men were recruited from the Asia Pacific region to build roads, work on farms, and construct railroads. APAs have served with distinction in our military, and they have been civil rights advocates.”
Meng said a commission of experts to study the creation of a national Asian Pacific American museum is not only timely; it is necessary for all Americans to appreciate and be aware of the many and diverse stories of APAs.
Entitled the “Commission to Study the Potential Creation of a National Museum of Asian Pacific American History and Culture Act,” Meng’s bill would create a panel of individuals with various expertise in museum planning or APA research and culture – to look into the viability of establishing such a facility in the nation’s capital, possibly as part of the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C., the world’s largest museum and research complex.
The House Administration Committee oversees the management of the Smithsonian as well as other issues such as election reform and operations of the House of Representatives.
Queens Community Board App Deadline Extended
Acting Borough President Sharon Lee announced this week that an extension to the application deadline for qualified and civic-minded individuals interested in serving on one of the borough’s 14 Community Boards has been granted.
Community board members play an important advisory role in considering land use and zoning matters in their respective districts.
There are 59 Community Boards citywide, including 14 in Queens, and each hold monthly full membership meetings. The Boards also hold hearings and issue recommendations about the City budget, municipal service delivery and numerous other matters that impact their communities.
All Queens Community Board members are appointed by the Queens Borough President, pursuant to the City Charter, with half of the appointments nominated by the City Councilmembers representing their respective Community Districts. Each Board has up to 50 unsalaried members, with each member serving a two-year term.
All Community Board members who wish to continue serving on a Board are required to re-apply at the conclusion of their two-year term and are subject to review and reconsideration.
For the upcoming round of appointments, the two-year term of service will begin on April 1, 2020.
“The extension is to ensure that the pool of applicants is as robust as possible,” said Lee.
Interested applicants will now have until Friday, March 13, 2020 to submit completed, signed and notarized applications to the Borough President’s office — a six-week extension from the original January 31 deadline. The Community Board membership application is available online at www.queensbp.org/community-boards.
