Dear Airmont Village Residents,
As a Planning Board Member and candidate for mayor in 2013, I would like to take this opportunity to share some important information with you that may have a major impact on our village.
I listened to Thursday evening’s teleconference about Governor Coumo’s proposal for a zero percent property tax increase for the next two years. I too proposed a similar plan when I was running for mayor in 2013. The main point of contention is the inability of our local elected officials to “buy” into this plan, which would require local government to adhere to the two percent tax cap. Governor Cuomo recommends that we as citizens reach out to our local politicians and insist that they too “get on board” with his proposal and freeze our extraordinarily high tax bills. As noted by the Governor, Rockland and Westchester are the highest taxed counties in the United States.
Second, many residents may remember the “Hillside Project”. It refers to approximately 25 acres located on Hillside Ave. in Airmont bordering Upper Saddle River. There is currently an application before the Community Design Review Committee seeking approval for the construction of a school and dormitory facilities for the students on that site. That meeting will begin at 9:30 AM on Tuesday, March 11 (not open for public comment). Subsequently, there will be several public hearings allowing for public input for this project. Those both in favor of or opposed to such a land use should try and attend the future meetings and allow your voices to be heard.
The Mayor has not informed the residents of Airmont about either of these significant issues, and I feel responsible as your concerned neighbor and representative on the Planning Board to provide you with this information.
Thank you for your time. I will continue my vigilance as a planning board member and work for all the residents of Airmont.
If you have any questions or other concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me at: Tom@TomGulla.com and follow me on Twitter: @TomGulla
Sincerely,
Tom Gulla
