Campaign for New York’s Future digs in

via StreetsBlog… a press release from Mayor Bloomberg’s office outlines some very exciting plans to be presented in Albany, including the creation of a New York City Energy Efficiency Authority, cameras for enforcement of future Bus Rapid Transit lanes, and property tax abatements for green roofs!

The Campaign for New York’s Future is advocating urgent action, prior to June’s close of the current legislative session, on key PlaNYC initiative requiring amendments to State law. These actions comprise four main categories:

Transportation – Among other actions, the coalition is advocating creation of a new Sustainable, Mobility and Regional Transportation (SMART) Finance Authority; authorization to use cameras on buses to enforce Bus Rapid Transit lanes; and authorization of residential parking districts within New York City.

Energy – Key proposed actions include authorization to create a New York City Energy Planning Board with representatives appointed by the Governor, the Mayor and utility companies; creation of a New York City Energy Efficiency Authority; authorization for the New York Power Authority to issue long-term power contracts; amendment to the City Charter requiring that the City dedicate 10 percent of the City’s energy bill to be used on energy conservation projects; and tax abatements for the installation of solar panels.

Brownfields – The Campaign for New York’s Future is calling on Albany to amend the State Brownfield Cleanup Program to reallocate tax credits, incentivize greater community participation, and expand eligibility to cover New York City specific contamination; and to authorize creation of a voluntary Brownfield cleanup program targeting 600 acres of brownfields in the City not currently eligible for the State program.

Air and Water Quality – The coalition is calling on Albany to amend Tax Law to provide for a local sales tax exemption on all hybrid vehicles purchased within New York City; and amend the Real Property Tax Law to provide property tax abatements on the installation of green roofs to reduce stormwater runoff.



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