Democratic Leaders Will Not Sue Rye Over Playland Taxes
The Democratic leaders of the Westchester County Board of Legislators (BOL) announced today that they will not push forward any lawsuits against the City of Rye in the municipality’s quest to garner property taxes from the Pier Restaurant and Tiki Bar, a privately owned and operated business within Playland.
The City of Rye is trying to collect nearly $30,000 in assessed property taxes from the restaurant’s owners. The Astorino Administration, after arguing for a waiver on the tax bill since the restaurant operates on County property, has broached the idea of legal action to prevent the taxes from being collected.
Standing in the way of a lawsuit against Rye is approval from the BOL, however.
“We have no intention of bringing any of our municipalities to court where the only prospect is to simply create even more conflict and discord,” said BOL Chairman Ken Jenkins (D-Yonkers). “A resolution to this tax question is already at hand: The contract with the restaurant and bar owners plainly states that they are responsible for any taxes that may be charged.”
The BOL Budget & Appropriations Committee okayed yesterday the idea of the Administration looking into a suit, but full BOL approval of the lawsuit at its regular meeting on Monday night won’t happen, insisted Legislator and BOL Vice Chair Lyndon Williams (D-Mount Vernon).
“We can find an amicable solution to this issue without bringing it into the legal arena,” said Williams.
The heart of the matter may be ensuring that contracts with vendors operating within County parks and other properties clearly answer any questions about tax liabilities.
Legislator and BOL Majority Whip Judy Myers (D-Larchmont) said: “It’s hard to believe that the County Executive and his staff have raised a big stink about suing municipalities over zoning for affordable housing but now seem eager about going to court on this issue. I’d call that political hypocrisy. Truth is, County Executive Astorino wants to muddy the waters at Playland every chance he gets, and that’s a shame. All year long, he’s been on the wrong side of every equation when it comes to Playland.”
“We will not sue Rye over Playland taxes–period,” said Legislator and BOL Majority Leader Peter Harckham (D-Katonah).
