Black homeowners are expressing their anger over Mayor Zoran Mamdani’s suggestion to increase property taxes by almost 10%, saying it could push them out of New York City.
James Johnson, a 35-year-old resident of Cambria Heights and a Democratic City Council candidate, vented, “Mayor Zoran Mamdani, you are insane.” He, along with others, criticized this proposed tax increase as a stark contrast to Mamdani’s campaign promise that only the wealthy would face higher taxes under his leadership.
Johnson pointed out, “You claimed it would be affordable, and yet, less than three months into your administration, you hit us with a proposed 9.5% property tax hike? That won’t fly.” He highlighted the financial strain this would impose on city residents, whether they own or rent.
Mamdani recently announced a hefty $127 billion budget for the upcoming year, along with a drastic plan to increase property taxes. He referred to the tax hike as a “last resort” if the state doesn’t approve his request to raise taxes on individuals earning over $1 million.
“There’s this idea that if you tax the rich, this issue might resolve itself,” Johnson remarked. “But we’re left with two choices and raising property taxes will hit everyone hard.”
Johnson joined nearly 30 other homeowners at a “Hands Off Home” rally to voice their opposition to Mamdani’s proposal. Some participants expressed concern that such an increase would devastate low-income New Yorkers, pushing them out of their homes.
Darryl Smith, a 62-year-old impact of the proposed tax, asked, “If you keep raising taxes, where will we go?”
Nadine Morenci Morse, a broker from Cambria Heights, said the community has achieved home ownership after hard work, and they shouldn’t have to face increasing property taxes amid rising utility costs. “This isn’t a solution,” she added.
Oscar Bryan, another resident, reflected on the historical challenges faced to build their community and expressed that taxation increases could undo decades of effort.
“We’ve fought too hard to establish this community to let it turn into a political game,” he stated firmly. “Keep your hands off our homes.” Others, including politicians and community advocates, are voicing concerns that the plan to close a $5.4 billion budget deficit through property taxes would disproportionately impact communities of color and working-class families.
City Council President Julie Menin emphasized the need to avoid imposing such drastic tax increases on struggling residents, particularly seniors on fixed incomes.
Queens Borough President Donovan Richards echoed these sentiments, stating it’s inappropriate to rely on property taxes to balance the budget without considering the needs of working-class New Yorkers.
Richards also remarked that Mamdani’s vision for a new era should not be built at the expense of marginalized communities.
Homeowners, particularly older residents, are anxious. Maria Garrett, a 69-year-old retiree, expressed concern over how the tax increase would strain those living on fixed incomes.
Cecil Prince, a longtime property owner, voiced worries about the rising cost of living, stating that many people simply can’t afford increased taxes alongside their other financial obligations.
Mamdani himself acknowledged the potential negative impact on working-class New Yorkers, indicating a preference for taxing the wealthiest corporations to avoid burdening everyday citizens.
The discord between Mamdani’s administration and certain community members had already been highlighted in prior comments made by tenant advocate Shea Weaver, who called property ownership a “weapon of white supremacy.”
Residents like Philip Solomon called for thoughtful consideration before implementing tax increases, advocating for the protection of small, fixed-income property owners.
Alicia Spears, another Cambria Heights resident, remarked on the lack of essential services despite high taxes, placing blame not solely on Mamdani but on all elected officials who have failed to address tax reform in recent years.
“We’re exhausted,” she said. “People are working themselves to the bone, yet we still struggle to get by.”
