Taxes out of control in Huntington

Good morning,

Yesterday I put in a phone call to your assessment representative Michael Haberman Associates. We will begin negotiations on the tax assessment 20 days before our hearing despite still not having a CO to our cabana. That department is still on a big "fishing expedition" to grab more $ off of us.

In the event we can't work things out we met with our personal attorney yesterday as well to begin the process of changing state residency and various other things related to trusts and wills from New York to one of our other residences we maintain elsewhere. The issues of getting permits approved, a 26% increase in our real estate taxes, ZBA hearings plus attorney fees. To put it in perspective, "were a big drain on our finances". Also, the issues with our neighbor at 17 Idle Day that has caused all our grief and aggravation has been a big emotional drain. If that would have been monitored better by the construction department with his retaining walls, we wouldn't be having this conversation. Furthermore, the constant roadblocks to legalizing our basement apartment to make it suitable for rental income has been unfruitful. But the fees assessed to obtain CO's serves no other purpose but a big money grab and still no legalization because of the "basement issue". But yet you want to tax me on that square footage.

In closing, we see NO benefit living here full time any more. We feel our dialogue with The Town of Huntington has gotten us no where and the ONLY Council member that has provided us with any empathy has been Sal Ferro. You should all listen to that man cause he like myself is a businessman and understands the need to have good relationships with those who pay the revenue to the Town.

Sincerely,

Diane and Randall Paulenich