Hewlett Neck Seeks Override of Property Tax Cap

Hewlett Neck trustees said at Monday night’s board meeting that they would seek to override a current state law that caps village property taxes at 2 percent.

Mayor Stuart Troyetsky suggested that higher taxes may be imminent.

“I pulled up the proposal about anybody raising property tax more than 2 percent," he said. "I’m proposing a law to override this. Of course, a public hearing will be needed.”

Speaking financially, Hewlett Neck has consistently reported that community coffers are in good shape, with the topic unchallenged by the rest of the board and the residents in attendance. A public hearing on the matter of the override has been scheduled for Nov. 7.

Village officials would only say they are seeking the override "just in case," according to Village Clerk Marie Velotti.

Other issues discussed at the meeting:

• Trustees are looking to clarify the legalese of the local building ordinance that pertains to attached garages of two cars or more.
  “There’s been some misinterpretation by some architects and others, so we’re looking to amend our garage code," Troyetsky said. "We’ll have a public hearing on the matter on Nov. 7. We’ll have the village attorney here to discuss it.”
• Costs associated with signage are also a developing concern for the trustees. Road signs require maintenance, which carries a price tag.
  “Some posts are getting worn — they’re old," Troyetsky said. "It’s a substantial cost to repair or replace signage.”
• The cellular tower at the Keystone Yacht Club that previously caused a stir seems to be a dormant issue, at least for now.
  When asked, the mayor reported, “There’s nothing new about T-Mobile.”
• Afterwards, a motion to accept the nominees for new appointments was passed: Deputy Mayor Bert Kalisher for one year; alternate members of the design review board, Marcia Troyetsky, Pam Cooperman and Michelle Locke for one year; and alternate members of the board of appeals, Peter Halperin and Sheldon Ginsberg for one year.