City Council to vote on full tax exemptions for disabled veterans, while ensuring housing access
According to bill sponsor Councilmember Frank Morano, who serves Staten Island's 51st District, if passed, 4,500 veteran families can see relief. It will cost the city less than $5 million.
In honor of Veterans Day, the New York City Council will vote on a measure that could ensure fair housing access and affordability for veterans.
The council will meet at 1:30 p.m. at City Hall on Thursday to vote on the legislative package, which includes a bill that would bring a full property tax exemption for permanently and totally disabled veterans across all five boroughs.
According to bill sponsor Councilmember Frank Morano, who serves Staten Island's 51st District, if passed, 4,500 veteran families can see relief. It will cost the city less than $5 million.
Veterans who came out to celebrate and pay their respects in Gerritsen Beach say the proposal would be a big help for those still struggling after serving overseas.
"Disabled veterans, sometimes we can't move on with work," said Christopher Lewis, who served during the Iraq War. "All we have to go on is disability, and it's not a lot, and when you have dependents, it's even less."
Ken Obermuller, a veteran who served in Germany while in the U.S. Army, says that although he doesn't consider himself disabled, as he reaches 90 years of age, any financial support does help.
"It's definitely important. Whatever they can do for the soldiers, including myself, every little bit helps," he said.
Another bill in the legislative package aims to improve data collection and access to public housing for veterans. The bill proposes a new requirement for an annual report from the Department of Housing Preservation and Development that would verify and give insight into the number of veterans or their spouses that may be applying for housing units within the Mitchell-Lama housing program.
The city will also consider adding an LGBTQ+ liaison to serve in the Department of Veterans Services.
As of Nov. 11, the city only offers a partial tax break for veterans who qualify, but if the bill passes on Thursday, all five boroughs will align with state law in offering full exemptions for disabled veterans.
