🕒 Created · Updated

Gale Brewer criticizes Mamdani administration for skipping City Council hearing on luxury second-home tax

Councilmember Gale Brewer expressed disappointment over the Mamdani administration's decision to skip Tuesday's City Council hearing regarding the implementation of the pied-à-terre tax. While the administration plans to submit written testimony instead of attending in person, Brewer argued that officials should provide direct answers to constituents confused by the tax rollout. The new surcharge applies to luxury second homes valued at $5 million or more and condos worth at least $1 million. Although the Mamdani administration defended the tax as an essential revenue source for city services, a lawsuit filed by homeowners has caused significant confusion. The administration cited the ongoing litigation as the reason for its absence, but Brewer and other councilmembers noted that officials could still answer questions not directly tied to the litigation. President Trump noted that he is monitoring the situation to see if the federal government can intervene in the tax matter. The city has extended the deadline for exemption applications until Sept. 18.

Sources