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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PR- 473-08
December 1, 2008

MAYOR BLOOMBERG SIGNS LEGISLATION REFORMING THE INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL ABATEMENT PROGRAM

Remarks by Mayor Bloomberg at a Public Hearing on Local Laws

"The third bill before me today is Introductory Number 860, sponsored by Council Members White, Comrie, James, Palma, Reyna, Sears and Weprin. Introductory Number 860 reforms the Industrial and Commercial Abatement Program to suspend benefits if recipients are found in violation of the law as it relates to the safety of workers and the public.

"The Industrial and Commercial Abatement Program encourages the development of industrial and commercial properties through the provision of a property tax abatement. With the passage of Introductory Number 860, benefits will be suspended if the Environmental Control Board or a court determines the recipient has received immediately hazardous violations from the Buildings DepartmentFire Department violations that implicate critical public safety concerns, or in the event of asbestos-handling during the course of building renovation or alteration.

"In order to avoid suspension of benefits, recipients must certify that the violations has been cured or corrected within 180 days after a notice is sent by the Department of Finance. If the recipient fails to make the required submission, the suspension of benefits shall continue until the recipient certifies to the Department of Finance that the violation has been cured. After the recipient makes such submission, benefits shall resume prospectively.  If the original finding of violation is successfully appealed, any benefits lost shall be restored retroactively.

"I want to thank Finance Commissioner Martha Stark, Buildings Commissioner Bob LiMandri, Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta, Department of Environmental Protection Acting Commissioner Steven Lawitts, and Seth Pinsky, President of the Economic Development Corporation, and all their staff for their work on this bill. I would also like to thank the Council for approving this legislation."

 







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