Assemblywoman's Bill Would Help Protect Island Park Taxpayers

Assemblywoman Melissa Miller is proposing a law that will help protect Island Park homeowners from the looming reduction of taxes that the Barrett Power Plant will be paying.

The Barrett Power Plant has made up a huge portion of the Island Park School District's tax base for years. It currently accounts for 47 percent of the district's tax base. But LIPA has challenged the assessment of the plant, and will likely be paying reduced taxes on the property. That could mean a huge jump in taxes for Island Park homeowners.

To help soften the blow on Island Park homeowners, Miller is proposing legislation to give Island Park extra state funding to help make up the difference of the new LIPA taxes.

A previous plan would make it so that LIPA gradually goes from the current tax bill to the new one over five years. Miller's bill would also extend the phase-out of the payments to 10 years.

“I am very happy to introduce legislation that offers a fair solution to the Island Park School District and provides the district with the relief it so desperately needs,” said Miller. “It’s essential that we provide our children with the very best education we can offer them.”