“The first of four bills before me today is Introductory Number 979, sponsored in conjunction with the Mayor by Speaker Quinn and Council Members Oddo, Recchia, Ignizio, Fidler, Jackson, Reyna, Arroyo, Barron, Chin, Eugene, Ferreras, Gennaro, Gentile, James, Koo, Lappin, Mendez, Williams, Wills, Halloran and Van Bramer.  Introductory Number 979 provides an interest-free extension on the next property tax bill for victims of Hurricane Sandy.

“In an effort to provide relief to victims of Hurricane Sandy, this legislation will provide an interest-free extension on the next property tax bill for residential properties damaged beyond repair or in need of extensive structural repairs before they can be inhabited.  The grace period will postpone payments due on January 1, 2013 to April 1, 2013.

“I would like to thank Department of Finance Commissioner David Frankel and his staff for their work on this bill along with my Office of City Legislative Affairs.  I would also like to thank the City Council for approving this legislation.”