Suffolk County is facing a number of challenges, from the recent exposure of 26,000 social security numbers and nearly half a million driver's license numbers to the potential expansion of New York State's wrongful death law. The county has invested in new robotic surgery devices and advanced diagnostic imaging technology, and is now turning East Suffolk into a destination for next-generation medical services. Property owners must be vigilant when challenging appraisals to ensure that current taxes are based on the new valuation reality. The Suffolk County Industrial Development Agency is working with new and existing companies to make investments that can turn underutilized properties and commercial corridors into centers that generate taxes and jobs.
Orange and Rockland Counties have issued emergency declarations prohibiting housing migrants, and Orange County has sued the city government. In response, Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone issued an emergency order that is designed “to ensure a coordinated response to the current crisis.” This order states that hotels, motels, or shelters would need permission from the county to enter into a contract with any other municipality to house asylum seekers, and the external municipality would be responsible for assuming any and all expenses incurred by any municipality in Suffolk. New York Governor Kathy Hochul and New York City Mayor Eric Adams have asked the federal government for expedited work authorization for migrants seeking asylum here. Adams' search for housing for migrants arriving in New York City has already put him at odds with neighboring counties and with facilities within the city.
The president of the Suffolk County Legislature, Kevin McCaffrey, announced at a press conference on May 21 that the legislature has hired an attorney who seeks to prohibit hotels from housing asylum seekers here, regardless of any action taken by the County Executive's office. The potential expansion of New York State's wrongful death law can pose a dramatic challenge for doctors' offices, by increasing liability insurance costs, and for patients in the form of higher medical bills if the change is made in Albany. Consequently, it is important for property owners to be aware of their rights when challenging appraisals to ensure that current taxes are based on this new valuation reality. Suffolk County is facing a number of complex issues that require careful consideration from all stakeholders involved.
Property owners must be aware of their rights when challenging appraisals to ensure that current taxes are based on the new valuation reality. The Suffolk County Industrial Development Agency is working hard to make investments that can turn underutilized properties and commercial corridors into centers that generate taxes and jobs. Orange and Rockland Counties have issued emergency declarations prohibiting housing migrants, while New York Governor Kathy Hochul and New York City Mayor Eric Adams have asked the federal government for expedited work authorization for migrants seeking asylum here. The potential expansion of New York State's wrongful death law can also pose a challenge for doctors' offices and patients alike.
It is clear that Suffolk County is facing a number of difficult challenges that require immediate attention from all stakeholders involved. The Suffolk County Industrial Development Agency must continue to make investments that can turn underutilized properties and commercial corridors into centers that generate taxes and jobs. Orange and Rockland Counties must continue to issue emergency declarations prohibiting housing migrants, while New York Governor Kathy Hochul and New York City Mayor Eric Adams must continue to ask the federal government for expedited work authorization for migrants seeking asylum here. Finally, all stakeholders must consider the potential expansion of New York State's wrongful death law carefully in order to protect doctors' offices, patients, and taxpayers alike.
