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Mayor Lauded in Seeking 3-year Property Tax Freeze

Brown, in State of the City address, declares that Buffalo is headed in 'the right direction'By Brian Meyer

February 16, 2011
 
Mayor Byron W. Brown's call for a three-year freeze on city property tax rates is winning praise from homeowners, business leaders and some lawmakers.

Brown's push to revamp Buffalo's assessment policies, changing annual property revaluations to once every three years, also has garnered early support.

The mayor made the announcements in his fifth State of the City speech Wednesday, when he told more than 1,000 people in the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center that "Buffalo is headed in the right direction."

While fiscal turmoil in Albany and Washington could saddle municipalities with deep cuts in aid, Brown told reporters he's convinced that the city can hold the line on property taxes.

"It's something that we've been working toward for some time," he said of the proposed freeze. "We're not making this recommendation in a knee-jerk way. We've done a lot of studying of the city's financial condition."

Assuming that the Common Council goes along with the plan, the property tax freeze would remain in effect through at least mid-2014.

Brown noted that when the proposed freeze is paired with a move to reassess properties every three years instead of annually, the impact will be significant for every homeowner and business.

"The city property tax bill you receive this July will remain substantially the same in 2012 and 2013," Brown said to applause from the audience.

Since 1996, Rochester has assessed properties every four years. Thomas A. Huonker, who heads Rochester's Assessment Bureau, told The Buffalo News last year that he believes the citywide property canvass performed every four years has "worked quite well."

Arthur J. Robinson Jr., president of the Seneca-Babcock Community Block Club, was among those who attended Wednesday's $35-a-plate luncheon. He described the tax freeze as "fantastic," adding that taxes and assessments are frequently discussed at block club meetings.

"People are going to be glad to hear this," Robinson said. "This will keep more money in people's pockets."

A former city lawmaker who is now a prominent banker also praised the planned tax freeze.

"The worst enemy of development in any community is an increase in taxes, and this is a good step in the right direction," said David P. Rutecki, an administrative vice president at M&T Bank and former Council member.

Andrew J. Rudnick, president and CEO of the Buffalo Niagara Partnership, agreed that a tax freeze could be a catalyst for development.

"It is creating a culture for investment that makes this city far more competitive than it might be under other circumstances," he said.

Given the fact that Buffalo hasn't raised residential or commercial property taxes since 2004, Council President David A. Franczyk said, Brown's proposed freeze "really isn't anything new."

"It sounds like old wine in new bottles," said Franczyk, who represents the Fillmore District. "It's certainly a goal worth pursuing, but it's consistent with what we've already been doing."

Since 2006, the city's property tax rate has been reduced by nearly 15 percent. Increasing assessments fueled by the region's relatively strong housing market were a key factor in helping the city to hold down rates.

Council Finance Committee Chairman Michael P. Kearns of the South District called the tax freeze "a very positive thing."

On other topics, Brown announced that he has found a funding source that would enable the city to commit $5.3 million toward stabilizing the Statler Towers. But the mayor said he would agree to such an expenditure only after a "comprehensive development plan" is approved for the shuttered building. He would not divulge a funding source, insisting that details are still being finalized.

Business leader Mark D. Croce is trying to acquire the building in hopes of launching a phased-in redevelopment of the Statler, starting on the first floor and mezzanine.

Brown used his speech to showcase numerous development projects that are being planned or are under way across the city. He also maintained that overall crime continues to decrease in the city.

"Buffalo is headed in the right direction," he said at the end of his 20-minute speech.

But the mood was less upbeat outside the Convention Center. A handful of protesters clutched signs stating their objection to a recent move by the Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority to take over operations at Marine Drive Apartments.

Some residents want the 616-unit public housing complex on the downtown waterfront to return to a tenant-run cooperative. The city opted not to renew a 40-year lease with a tenant cooperative six years ago, bringing in a number of management entities. The Housing Authority became the manager Feb. 1.

Christine S. Avino, who has lived at Marine Drive for 12 years, said living conditions have declined since tenants lost control. She cited cleanliness issues, crime and security problems. "Quality of life has been spiraling downward," she said. "It's a real mess."

Some tenants have launched a court fight challenging the recent management change. Other Marine Drive residents have maintained that living conditions in the seven-tower complex have improved in recent years.

bmeyer@buffnews.comnull