Airport Privatization Dealt Blow

Good News - Gov. Andrew Cuomo and State Legislature approved the County’s request for an alternative means to manage its finances. On June 30, Gov. Cuomo signed into law a one-percent hike in the sales tax for Westchester's villages, towns, and the cities of Peekskill and Rye. County Executive Latimer had proposed and pushed for this. No taxes are impacted in Westchester's largest cities, which helps explain why state and county officials see the change as less regressive than, say, an increase in county property taxes.  Affected sales taxes rise to 8.375% on August 1, 2019 and will bring in approximately $40 million to the county this year and millions more to municipalities and school districts.

Latimer has stated that the sales tax bill would remove any financial excuse for airport privatization and allow for a freeze in property taxes over the next 2 years.  The Coalition now looks to him to announce publicly his administration's permanent rejection of airport privatization.  Further, the County should establish by decree and by lawthat the County will keep the airport in public hands to maximize accountability, safeguard communities and the environment, and reinforce the county's existing policy opposing airport expansion.  

For all who are concerned about our environment, the tax deal delivered an additional "win".  The County was planning to sell parking lots by the County Center and Metro North stations in White Plains to balance its budget.  The lots, however, are County parkland.  Now the sale will not happen, avoiding the possibility of a dangerous precedent being set.  Further, the County has agreed to work with the state to plug the legal loophole that would have allowed the sale of parkland without state approval.  

All in all, this was a good way to cap an eventful and hopeful first half of the year for those concerned about airport expansion, and a good day for our Coaltion - our voices are being heard.  Please encourage your neighbors to join with us.