Gossips has just learned that the special meeting of the Hudson Industrial Development Agency (IDA) scheduled for tomorrow, Tuesday, August 17, at 1:00 p.m. has been canceled "in order to complete the Public Hearing record in connection with the 708 State Street and 75 N. 7th Street proposals." Public comments on these projects are due at noon tomorrow, August 17, at which time the Public Hearing will be closed. Written comments can be submitted to mtucker@columbiaedc.com.
The IDA cannot consider resolutions on the two projects until the Planning Board has completed the SEQRA process. The next Planning Board meeting is scheduled for September 14.
COPYRIGHT 2021 CAROLE OSTERINK
"New York State Industrial Development Act, codified as Title One of Article 18-A of the New York General Municipal Law permits IDAs to undertake projects relating to: industrial, manufacturing, warehousing, commercial, research, recreational facilities, industrial pollution control facilities, educational or cultural facilities, and civic facilities."
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone see housing listed here? No. So why is the IDA determining the public benefit of millions in PILOT giveaways? And don't say the temporary construction jobs.
This is a grift perpetrated by the single largest tax abated rentier capitalist in Hudson. Who on weekends lives in a 62,000 sqft home. In New Jersey.
Interestingly, "Public Authorities Law § 2824(2) requires board members of public authorities to participate in state approved training regarding their legal, fiduciary, financial and ethical responsibilities within one year of appointment."
Has either the Chair or Vice Chair participated in these trainings, or the IDA treasurer, who lives in an applicant owned property?
NY States very own guidance; "Public authorities are designed to strike a balance between political accountability and independence. Unlike traditional State agencies, the governing boards of public authorities are expected to be more independent of those who appoint them, to make decisions outside the arena of politics, and to be accountable to the public through reporting and transparency. Therefore, those individuals who serve on a public authority board must be independent from political influence and be accountable for their decisions and actions as a board member. Allowing elected officials to serve as IDA board members presents an inherent conflict and opportunities for corruption."
While the enabling legislation is silent on housing, a recent court case from Nassau county has opened the door for legal IDA investments in this regard if the project isn't detrimental to the local economy and creates jobs (the 2 enumerated purposes of the enabling legislation). Clearly only a handful of FTE jobs are being created by this plan -- so the real issue is do the projects lead to economic deterioration of the city economy? I, as do many, believe that they will and, therefore, should be denied PILOTs.
DeleteThe treasurer of the IDA is Heather Campbell, who does not live in a Galvan property.
ReplyDeleteThe IDA secretary is Kamal Johnson, who lives in a Galvan property with a market rental value high above the range his salary as mayor should afford.
Otherwise you make very solid points.