Holden Calls for Cancellation of 2020 Lien Sale
Councilmember Robert Holden (D-Glendale, Maspeth, Middle Village, Ridgewood, Woodhaven, Woodside) on Friday called on the New York City Department of Finance to cancel its annual lien sale, set to take place on September 4, due to a lack of outreach resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has put so much added financial stress on New Yorkers, and especially property owners who continue to pay enormous property taxes,” said Holden. “The last thing they need is to be blindsided by a lien sale that puts them further in debt. Since the Department of Finance could not conduct its normally extensive outreach to those affected by liens, the sale must be canceled for this calendar year.”
While the Department of Finance normally conducts in-person tax lien clinics to ensure that property owners understand the lien sale and can plan accordingly, that outreach could not take place during the pandemic. That means thousands of property owners will not have access to the information they need to get off the lien sale.
In Council Member Holden’s district, 175 properties are eligible for the tax lien sale as the high senior population in the area has been shown to be disproportionately affected, along with communities of color.
Koo Celebrates 75th Korean Independence Day
City Councilmember Peter Koo (D-Downtown Flushing, Murray Hill, Queensboro Hill) stated the following regarding the 75th anniversary of Korean Independence Day:
“Korean Independence Day provides a special opportunity to reflect on our rich heritage and to pay tribute to the many Korean Americans who are transforming our nation today. On this day, we remember the struggles and successes of those who came before us and paved the way for a new generation of cooperation and friendship between Korea and America. I congratulate our Korean American New Yorkers, and wish you all a Happy Korean Independence Day.”
Grodenchik Remembers Late Former Assemblymember Nettie Mayersohn
City Councilmember Barry S. Grodenchik (D-Bayside Hills, Bellerose, Douglaston, Floral Park, Fresh Meadows, Glen Oaks, Hollis, Hollis Hills, Holliswood, Little Neck, New Hyde Park, Oakland Gardens, Queens Village) released the following statement about the late former Assemblymember Nettie Mayersohn, who passed away on August 13:
“It is with profound sorrow that I received the news of the passing of my dear friend, hero, and mentor, former Assemblywoman Nettie Mayersohn. Words cannot possibly convey my sense of loss and what her life meant and means to the people of the community in which I was raised and for New Yorkers everywhere. She was a rock of integrity and caring and a legislator of the first magnitude. In over 14 terms in the New York State Assembly, she passed and had signed into law the Victim’s Sentencing Act, the Baby AIDS bill, and numerous other pieces of legislation that bettered the lives of all New Yorkers. She inspired me and many others into lives of public service. I express my sincerest condolences to her family, especially her sons Jeffrey and Judge Lee Mayersohn. May her memory be for a blessing always, and may we all be inspired by her selfless service to our community.”
Meeks Comments on Israel-UAE Agreement
Congressman Gregory W. Meeks (D-Jamaica, Laurelton, Rosedale, Cambria Heights, Saint Albans, Springfield Gardens, The Rockaways, JFK Airport), senior Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, released the following statement on Friday regarding the agreement between UAE and Israel to open diplomatic relations:
“The agreement between Israel and the UAE to officially establish diplomatic relations marks a major milestone for the region, bolstering and promoting stability and cooperation in the Middle East.
“Moreover, Israel’s commitment to suspend annexation efforts restores the potential of a path towards a two-state solution. Annexation undercuts the mission of reaching a two-state solution, necessary for preserving the security of Israel and establishing Palestinian statehood.
“This announcement serves as reminder that diplomacy should be the forefront of U.S. policy in the Middle East. I look forward to working with both Israel and the UAE to advance peace and prosperity across both nations and throughout the region.”
