March 19, 2007

TAX ABATEMENT FOR SINKING HOMES CLEARS LEGISLATIVE HURDLE

Representative Patricia Dillon’s (D-New Haven) legislation to assist residents in the Beverly Hills section of Westville has won the approval of the legislature’s Planning and Development Committee.

Homeowners around Beverly Road have suffered from significant property damage as their homes continue to sink further into the ground each year. The legislation would permit New Haven to provide property tax abatements to property owners who have made repairs to homes damaged by earth settlement or sinking.

“The committee clearly remembered the impassioned pleas of the homeowners who came up to testify last year,” Rep. Dillon said. “This is a chance to provide some remedy to residents who stand to lose everything as their homes continue to sink. This bill provides the city of New Haven with a narrowly crafted tool to provide some relief.”

Representative Dillon was first elected to the General Assembly in 1984. She is an Assistant Majority Leader and serves on the Appropriations, Higher Education and Judiciary committees.