- By Dan Veaner
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The Alternative Veterans Real Property Tax Exemption is an optional benefit that New York municipalities may extend to area veterans. Specific dollar amounts are subtracted from home assessments depending on a veteran's level of service. The old law allowed a base assessment reduction of $12,000 for all wartime veterans, another $8,000 for those who had served in combat, and an additional $34,000 for those injured in battle.
The Trustees raised those numbers to $15,000 for all wartime veterans, an additional $8,000 for those who served in combat and $50,000 more for injured vets. To qualify veterans must have served in the Persian Gulf Conflict on or after August 2, 1990, the Vietnam War (December 22, 1961-May 7, 1975), Korean War (June 27, 1950-January 31, 1955), World War II (December 7, 1941-December 31, 1946), World War I (April 6, 1917-November 11, 1918), the Mexican Border Period (May 9, 1916-April 5, 1917) or the Spanish-American War (April 21, 1898-July 4, 1902). Veterans who don't qualify as having served in those wars may still qualify if they received an Armed Forces expeditionary medal, a Navy expeditionary medal, a Marine Corps expeditionary medal, or a Global War on Terrorism expeditionary medal.
New York State sets caps on allowed amounts, but doesn't contribute to the reduction. Adopting the legislation is optional for municipalities, and they can also set lower dollar amounts. "The enabling legislation is under the State real property tax law," says Village attorney David Dubow. "There's a similar program for seniors largely based on income, but this is based on military duty."
The State defines basic and "high appreciation" municipalities, and determines levels that municipalities may choose. The Village falls within the basic range that trustees found appropriate for the level of assessment and income in the area.
Veterans apply to the County Board of Assessment to determine whether they are eligible for the exemption. Currently 12 Village of Lansing veterans receive the base exemption, 27 the combat veteran reduction and 2 get the wartime disability reduction.
The Trustees also voted to amend a zoning law to allow more parking in "office studio" zones. This categorizes businesses like spas or photo studios in the same way doctors' offices are handled, allowing parking for staff as well as customers. The idea was hatched when Crystal's Spa on Triphammer Road asked for authorization for more parking last year. They made the successful argument to the Village Planning Board that they needed space for employees who work at different stations within the business.
Planning Board Chairman Ned Hickey told Trustees that the board had looked into creating a municipal parking lot to keep traffic off of Triphammer Road, but could not find a suitable location. "This was another solution," he said.
After considering environmental impact on the area the Trustees voted unanimously for both new laws.
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