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Kamillah Hanks Criticizes the Mamdani Administration for Missing a Hearing on the New Pied-à-terre Tax

Kamillah Hanks, a Staten Island Councilmember, criticized the Mamdani administration for failing to attend a Tuesday hearing regarding the city's rollout of the pied-à-terre tax. The tax, which targets luxury second homes and co-ops, was expected to raise approximately $500 million for the city. However, Hanks and other councilmembers expressed frustration over the administration's absence, labeling the implementation as "botched" and "unacceptable." Finance Commissioner Richard Lee submitted written testimony instead of appearing in person, citing an ongoing lawsuit over the city's handling of the tax. The administration argued that because the hearing was focused on the litigation, appearing in person was not prudent. Conversely, councilmembers argued that litigation should not be a "hall pass" for skipping oversight. The tax applies to non-owner-occupied homes valued at $5 million or more, and co-ops and condos valued at $1 million or more. Homeowners have until Sept. 18 to apply for exemptions, with over 5,000 applications already submitted.

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