Agree with James on most points. More bad tax policy does not make good tax policy. NYC and NYS politicians have their hands out to special interests, especially in NYC where De Blasio has turned it into an art form. Unfortunately reforming our property tax system will be nearly impossible (just look at federal tax and entitlement reform efforts). They have created distortions in value across the market. The "easiest" reform would be to eliminate the abatements for new developments. But it doesn't serve any of our politicians interests. It's easier for them to claim to close "loopholes" that they themselves have created. — John on In the News: Pied a terre tax + the MTA

This story shows how our ridiculous, economically illiterate, beholden, and captive-to-special-interests, politicians want to contort their way out of a problem of their own creation. "Many of the new buildings benefit from huge tax abatements and ultra-luxury condos and co-ops are vastly under-assessed by the city’s byzantine property tax system." The City and State politicians are responsible for creating these distortions. They use them to get the support of the construction unions, who benefit from the jobs created by using your tax dollars to create incentives for building the high-end condos the politicians then decry from the other sides of their mouths. Why don't these hacks reform the City property tax system (with State consent) directly instead of this roundabout, corrupt way of giving and taking back subsidies to the construction industry in the form of abatements and taxes on condo buyers? Why doesn't the system give disproportionate tax breaks for building affordable housing? Ask the politicians, construction unions, and developers why. And Margaret Chin makes no sense: 1.) If someone rarely or never uses their NYC home, then by definition they rarely ride "our subways" send no children to "our schools" or drive on "our roads." Arguably anything they pay for zero use is more than their "fair share," unless by "fair share," you mean an incident tax and not a usage (excise) tax. She's AWOL on these issues when they affect her constituents: 2.) Does Chin support congestion pricing, which is an attempt to get people, like the outbound trucks and commuters that rumble across Broome Street and Canal Street every evening toll-free, to pay their "fair share" for our roads? Where's her leadership on this? 3.) How about the municipal parking placard abusers who do not part their fair share (or even income tax on the value of the parking benefit)? Where's Chin on that? She goes on to say, “With more and more New Yorkers struggling to find an affordable apartment, we need State action to hold these absentee property owners accountable.” 4.) Accountable for what? That the politicians choose to give unnecessary incentives and tax abatements for building luxury housing in Manhattan instead of for affordable housing in "opportunity zones" and parts of NYC where land is more affordable? That the politicians choose to starve mass transit rather than fund it and expand it to encourage development in and commuting from underused parts of the city? — James on In the News: Pied a terre tax + the MTA

Agree. Don't take NYC for granted. It was great in the '50s and '60s then imploded in the '70s after liberal programs led to a complete breakdown of law and order. I grew up here but joined a million other New Yorkers and moved away after the fourth time I was robbed in the street. The current Mayor's focus is on inequality and people of color. He's overtly hostile to improving the lives of taxpayers so the same thing could happen again. After Giuliani rescued the City I moved to Lispenard which has become a garbage strewn haven for homeless and drug dealers under Deblasio. — lowrider on In the News: Crushing the competition with $$$

OMG stop typing FiDi! — James Pedersen on In the News: Joe’s Pizza Is Opening in FiDi

People shouldn't have to answer what their specific disability is when asked by any hostess, waiter, or busboy BUT… I don't see why registered service animals shouldn't have their certification on their collar/harness to ensure they're legit. If they're not service animals, they don't belong in restaurants or grocery stores. — Dog Tolerant But C'mon…Don't Feed it from the Table on In the News: Taylor Swift has another break-in

Thanks, will double check it... — Pam Frederick on Seen & Heard: The breakfast burrito edition

It is a great story and good for her, but I'm too devoted to Leo and Ilya — Edward on New Kid on the Block: Razzledazzle Barbershop

I'm all for women's empowerment (and for feminist burlesque), but this seems more like a mildly titillating Hooters experience. Men pampered by women in corsets - I'm sure it'll be hugely popular, but out of step with these times and the neighborhood. — JP on New Kid on the Block: Razzledazzle Barbershop

Respectfully disagree, TG. NYC is in danger of serious regression in quality of life and opportunity. This is a great city and it has unique challenges, but it is being amazingly mismanaged under the leadership of someone who has zero experience managing anything really and yet would rather focus on an even higher office rather than trying to truly help run the city. The city deserves better... much better — Jeff on In the News: Crushing the competition with $$$

Florida - I have an idea..move! You don't like it leave. DiBlasio is hardly a radical Julie. God, I don't recognize the people living downtown any more. NYC wins every time and if you don't know that you just don't get it... — TG on In the News: Crushing the competition with $$$

I love the commerce that takes place outside the bank building! Sorry folks. Also like skateboarders! — TG on Seen & Heard: All scream…

Change.org link for Pace U isn't working...I will go directly to the site...just wanted you to know! — TG on Seen & Heard: The breakfast burrito edition

That is quite the journey! — TG on New Kid on the Block: Razzledazzle Barbershop

I'm not sure how the RKF broker can market this because it would need approvals from the buildings surrounding the lot and there is no approval from the landmark commission for this sort of thing. — Resident on Seen & Heard: Development at the 74 Hudson parking lot

That place is always packed. — Pam Frederick on Seen & Heard: Development at the 74 Hudson parking lot

Yes, well noted. — Pam Frederick on Seen & Heard: Development at the 74 Hudson parking lot

The bank building is so beautiful; it's a shame that it is just an empty shell and site of repeated vandalism, not to mention a backdrop to the sidewalk-blocking tourist bazaar. It would make a fantastic museum annex. Unlikely, but since this area is becoming the "TriBeCa Arts District" with so many galleries, maybe it could happen.... The food hall sounds promising, though. No updates on that, though? Maybe the asking Rent is Too Damn High. — Marcus on Seen & Heard: All scream…

100% agree. Billy D and his radical friends going to ruin the city. — Julie on In the News: Crushing the competition with $$$

Nigh Nush is the best. Love everything they serve. — Renee on Seen & Heard: Development at the 74 Hudson parking lot

One word: AWESOME! — Tina on New Kid on the Block: Razzledazzle Barbershop

The Sushi of Gari building and 132 W Broadway next door are also taxpayers. — N on Seen & Heard: Development at the 74 Hudson parking lot

I think Erik did a post about the Canal street building last year. Maybe that it would become some sort of fancy food market??? — A. on Seen & Heard: All scream…

No clues but the First National Bank building always seemed like it would be a cool location for a gym like Equinox or something. — Edward on Seen & Heard: All scream…

You don't need a Bloomberg terminal to see the average incomes of those other ZIP codes in the top 100, just click through to the article and scroll to the bottom, they are displayed in a table. — Leo on In the News: Crushing the competition with $$$

Yea but Boca Grand has: an amazing beach, a toll bridge keeping the riffraff out, 50% less taxes/cost of living, and no Diblasio pounding residents with back door costs/ taxes. I think we are losing in the end. — Florida on In the News: Crushing the competition with $$$