Welcome to the Town of Greenburgh
News & Information  
  Select News to View

Please select the year.
2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002

Back to Article List

AUCTION OF FORECLOSED PROPERTIES TUESDAY...INSTRUCTIONS FOR AUCTION
Release Date: November 12, 2017

AUCTION OF FORECLOSED PROPERTIES TUESDAY...INSTRUCTIONS FOR AUCTION...COPIES OF MANY LETTERS I SENT TO THOSE WHO FACED FORECLOSURE OFFERING TO HELP AND OTHER CORRESPONDENCE SENT TO THEM IN RECENT YEARS.  WE WERE ABLE TO REDUCE NUMBER OF PROPERTIES FACING FORECLOSURE FROM ALMOST 400 TO 54

 

 

This is the link to the list of properties that will be auctioned on Tuesday...
http://www.greenburghny.com/Documents/Greenburgh%20Auctions%202017%20OCR%20reduced.pdf
 
At the bottom of this posting,  I've included some of the many letters that I have sent residents over the past few years strongly encouraging them to pay their back taxes and offering to help. I personally sat down and met with many residents, connected them to non profits, helped some get reverse mortgages or worked out payment plans. The Receiver of Taxes, Anne Povella, Town Attorney Tim Lewis and  deputy Town Attorney Michael Pflaum also helped.  When we started the process there was close to 400 properties facing foreclosure. On Tuesday the list is down to 54.  
We are currently reaching out to about 80 residents who were not on the current list of properties being foreclosed - offering to help them avoid foreclosure. I included one of the letters that I recently sent to them.
PAUL FEINER
 

INSTRUCTIONS FOR NOVEMBER 14, 2017 TOWN PUBLIC AUCTION

 

 

On Tuesday, November 14th at 2 p.m., at Greenburgh Town Hall, 177 Hillside Avenue, the Town will conduct a public auction of 54 surplus Town-owned properties which the Town received last year pursuant to a judgement of foreclosure. The properties include single-family homes, apartments, vacant properties in both commercial and residential neighborhoods, and  one pond or land under water. Registration for interested bidders begins at 10 a.m. and ends at 1:00 p.m. on November 14th . Properties will be sold to the highest bidder.

 

To bid on a property an interested bidder must complete and submit the Bidder Registration Form identifying the Parcel I.D., account number and location of the property the bidder is interested in, along with a bank check, certified check, money order or cash in the amount of 10% of the bid offered for the property.  The  Bidder Registration Form must be delivered to Town Hall with the 10% deposit, in a sealed envelope, between the hours of 10 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. The sealed bids will then be placed in larger envelopes in the Town Clerk’s Office corresponding to the Auction Numbers of the properties. At 2 p.m. the sealed bids will be opened and read out loud in the Town Hall Auditorium and the winning bidders will sign a Bid Confirmation Form and Memorandum of Sale outlining the terms and conditions of sale. A successful bidder is not required to be present for the bid opening. Please review the Terms and Conditions of Sale below before submitting a bid.

 

Please keep in mind that the Town will only accept bids that are equal to or greater than the upset price indicated on the list of properties for sale. The upset price was determined after considering several factors including the assessed value of the property, the condition of the property and the amount of back taxes owed on the property prior to foreclosure. Any bid that does not offer an amount equal to or greater than the upset price will be rejected. Properties not sold at the auction will either be included in a future auction or otherwise deposed of by private sale.

 

 

 

 

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SALE

 

1.      All offers are subject to final approval by the Greenburgh Town Board:

 

2.      Subject to the provisions of paragraph 10 below, a nonrefundable deposit of 10 percent of the successful bid must be paid in cash, bank check or bank certified funds at the time of auction:

 

3.      Legal fees of 10 percent of the purchase price or $400.00, whichever is less, shall be added to the total purchase price;

 

4.      The balance of the purchase price must be paid in cash or bank check or by bank certified funds within thirty (45) days after acceptance of the offering price, unless otherwise arranged at the sole discretion of the Town of Greenburgh;

 

5.      Arrangements for payment of the balance of the purchase price and delivery of the deed shall be made with the office of the Town Attorney

 

6.      The purchaser and the Town shall, at the time and place of auction, sign a Memorandum of Sale and Binder Agreement to comply with terms and conditions of the successful bid;

 

7.      If the successful bidder (Purchaser) fails to comply with the conditions described above, the property may be offered and sold to any other purchaser in the sole discretion of the Town, with or without public auction. In such event, the Town shall retain any deposit to the town as liquidated damages;

 

8.      Property is sold as-is in all respects, including but not limited to permitted uses, zoning ordinances, covenants, easements, and restrictions of records, existing tenancies and/or pending litigation, and to the terms and conditions of sale as contained in the Notice of Auction;

 

9.      The deed issued will be a Quitclaim Deed;

 

10.  The Town reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to accept or reject any bid or to remove any property from the auction at any time prior to the delivery of the deed to the property. Any deposits with respect to rejected bids or withdrawn properties shall be refunded to the successful bidder(s).

 

 

 

Further information on the above properties may be obtained from the office of the Town Attorney, Greenburgh Town Hall, 177 Hillside Avenue, Greenburgh, New York (914) 989-1615

 

 

 

June 14, 2016

 

 

 

Dear Property Owner,

 

The town is required by law to collect back taxes. Sadly, if homeowners do not pay taxes for a few years we have to initiate foreclosure proceedings. If the town forecloses on properties the town gets to keep the entire proceeds. Example: If someone owes $50,000 but the property is worth $500,000 and a Judge signs the foreclosure papers the town gets the entire amount. This is NYS law.  We do not want to foreclose and take properties away from taxpayers who haven't paid their tax bills. That's why I'm writing you this note.

 

You are on the list of property taxpayers who owe back taxes. Sometime within the next year the town will be asking a Judge to sign an order that will enable the town to collect.  You CAN AVOID THE FORECLOSURE by entering into a payment arrangement with the Receiver of Taxes.  Other options: A reverse mortgage. There are nonprofit organizations that are willing to help.  Among them: Westchester Residential Opportunities.

 

I am enclosing a letter from Veronica Raphael of Westchester Residential Opportunities. She is willing to help.  Please give her a ring.  I'm happy to meet with you to discuss ways to avoid foreclosure. You can also contact Michael Pflaum of the Town Attorney's office at 989-1629 or Anne Povella, Receiver of Taxes at 989-1551.

 

Our goal: is not to scare you, but to help you avoid foreclosure and the stresses you have knowing that you owe back taxes.

 

Sincerely,

 

 

 

Paul J. Feiner

Town Supervisor

 

PJF:ca

Encl

 

 

 

From: Veronica Raphael [vraphael@wroinc.org]
Sent: Thursday, May 26, 2016 3:56 PM
To: Paul Feiner
Subject: MAP restarts soon!

Hello again,

 

We were not successful in helping residents of Greenburgh because the Mortgage Assistance program ended.  Great News!

 

The NY AG’s office announced yesterday that it is back with more money to help people qualify for the money.   We are only signing people to a WAITING LIST.  After we are approved to send applications, we will be working with the homeowners on the waiting list first.  If they qualify, WRO will review and upload the application and the required financial documents to MAP.   We will know if the homeowner qualifies within 48 hours.   It may be again up to $40K soft lien against the property.   Please inform your homeowners that we will place them on our waiting list.

 

Thank you,

 

Veronica Raphael

Director of Foreclosure Prevention

Financial Education Trainer

470 Mamaroneck Ave Ste 410

White Plains, NY 10605

914-428-4507 x334   914-428-9455 Fax

 

 

 

March 3, 2016

 

 

 

Dear Property Owner:

 

I have disappointing news. The town had to file a petition to foreclose on 128 properties in NYS Supreme Court. Your name unfortunately was on the list. There is still time to work out a payment plan or to reach out to organizations like Westchester Residential Opportunities (the contact information for their foreclosure prevention program is posted below) that might be able to help you avoid foreclosure.

 

Please act.  We do not want to take your property but the law requires that we foreclose on properties that owe us back taxes.  Enclosed, please find a copy of a statement posted on the town’s website about the 128 properties currently on our foreclosure list. The good news: many of the original 479 properties that had been on the list in 2013 avoided foreclosure. You could too.

 

Sincerely,

 

 

 

Paul J. Feiner

Town Supervisor

 

PJF:ca

Encl

 

 

GREENBURGH FILES PETITION TO FORECLOSE ON 128 PROPERTIES IN STATE SUPREME COURT   --479 PROPERTIES HAD BEEN ON LIST IN 2013. MANY AVOIDED FORECLOSURE

The  Greenburgh Town Attorney's office has filed a petition and Notice of Foreclosure in New York State Supreme Court. By law we are allowed to foreclose on properties that have not paid taxes in 2010 or prior to 2010.  The last day for redemption by an owner has been set at October 16, 2015.  The final number of parcels included was 128 of which 50 were residential (including apartments), 65 were vacant and 13 were commercial, representing $11,269,675.91 of delinquent taxes and liens (including interest and charges). In 2013, when we started the foreclosure process there were 479 properties in danger of being foreclosed.  I have written 8 letters to each of the property owners in danger of foreclosure offering to help.  Last week, after I sent an advisory out about the pending foreclosure petition I received a memo posted below from Westchester Residential Opportunities offering to assist. I sent that letter to all those in danger of foreclosure. Westchester Residential Opportunities has a program that has a very effective Foreclosure Prevention program.

 

Although the petition and notice of foreclosures have been filed – there is still time for the owners to avoid foreclosure by the town. I continue to meet with property owners in danger of foreclosure and will try to help everyone who responds.  It makes no sense for the 128 property owners in danger of foreclosure to let the town foreclose on their property. If they own a property worth $300,000 and they owe the town $50,000 and don’t pay the $50,000 they lose EVERYTHING.  Organizations like WRO can help these property owners work out payment plans, get loans or other kinds of help. Some of the property owners should consider selling their properties.  A Judge could turn the properties to the town after October 16th so time is running out.  

 

I feel bad that we have to foreclose on 128 properties. But, am pleased that many of the 479 properties that were originally on the list have avoided foreclosure. They took advantage of the offers to help. I am hopeful that many of the 128 property owners still on the foreclosure list will also avoid foreclosure. Two days ago, for example, I received a call from a woman who told me that her husband took care of the bills in the household. He passed away recently with Alzheimer’s. She was not aware that the family owed so much money and will pay the arrears and should avoid foreclosure. There may be others out there like her.

 

The town will be conducting foreclosure proceedings on properties we are able to take possession of annually and won’t wait years before conducting foreclosure proceedings. We will initiate the efforts to collect taxes on properties that have fallen behind from 2011-2013 shortly. I will be sending those property owners a letter soon.  I have also asked the Town Attorney’s office to provide the Town Board with policy  recommendations re: sale of properties we will take possession of.

PAUL FEINER

Hello Paul,

WRO is designated to accept applications for the Mortgage Assistance Program (MAP).  This soft loan can pay up to $40k to homeowners facing foreclosure in delinquent taxes, or mortgage payments for reinstatement of the mortgage or maintenance fees arrears.     For more information go to https://application.nysmap.org for more information.  We encourage the homeowners to complete our application, copy financial documents and make an appointment to go over these items before completing the application.  Feel free to have homeowners call us to answer any questions.  The application process takes 45 days so they must act fast!

Thank you,

Veronica Raphael

Director of Foreclosure Prevention

Financial Education Trainer

470 Mamaroneck Ave Ste 410

White Plains, NY 10605

914-428-4507 x334   914-428-9455 Fax

 

 

 

August 5, 2013
 
 
 
Dear  
 
The Receiver of Taxes and Town Attorney have advised me that you owe some back taxes. I know that this is a stressful time for you and your family. I would like to be of help.  There are some organizations that you should reach out to that can be of assistance.  Westchester Residential Opportunities (telephone: 428-4507) has great services. There is also a group called Community Housing Innovations (683-1010). They provide foreclosure prevention assistance. There is another organization that you may wish to contact: Community Capital Resources (747 8020). This entity provides budget and credit card counseling.  I hope that the above information is helpful to you and your family. I am always available to speak with you, if you feel that would be helpful.  The Town Attorney’s office, working with the Receiver of Taxes office, is able to work out payment plans for back taxes.
 
There is another benefit that you might be eligible for if you are a veteran and are on a fixed income.  Please read the enclosed article.  Also, if you are on a fixed income Con Ed offers homeowners and tenants who receive social security benefits such as HEAP, food stamps, public assistance low income rates. You should visit the Con Ed website: 
www.coned.com/customers central andwww.coned.com/greenteam for more information.  These websites provide residents with more information.  If you don’t have a computer and think you are eligible but don’t know how to get the application – please feel free to contact me directly.  I will try to help.
 
Sincerely,
 
 
 
Paul J. Feiner
Town Supervisor
 
PJF:ca

 

 

 


 
September 26, 2013
 
 
TAX INTEREST AMNESTY PROGRAM ANNOUNCED
FOR THOSE WHO OWE BACK TAXES
 
 
Dear Taxpayer,
 
$21.8 million is owed to the town in back taxes by businesses and property owners.  As a result, foreclosure proceedings will begin soon. To help those residents who are facing difficulties meeting their tax obligations, the Town Board approved the resolution on the back of this letter on September 25, 2013 authorizing a tax interest amnesty if back taxes are paid in full by December 30, 2013.  This will help reduce the arrears owed to the town by those in arrears since the interest is at a 12% rate.  If you have multiple properties, taxes for all properties must be paid to qualify for this amnesty program.
 
There are some organizations that you should reach out to that can be of assistance.  Westchester Residential Opportunities (telephone: 428-4507) and Housing Action Council (332-4144) have great services. There is also a group called Community Housing Innovations (683-1010). They provide foreclosure prevention assistance.
 
The Receiver of Taxes is Anne Povella.  Her office can respond to questions you may have about arrears owed to the town.  Her telephone number is 993-1512.
 
Sincerely,
 
 
 
Paul J. Feiner
Town Supervisor
 
Cc: Greenburgh Town Council
Tim Lewis, Town Attorney
Anne Povella, Receiver of Taxes

 
TB-2 – 09/25/13
 
RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF GREENBURGH
ESTABLISHING A TAX INTEREST AMNESTY PROGRAM FOR QUALIFIED TOWN PROPERTY OWNERS, OFFERING A 100% ABATEMENT OF INTEREST THAT HAS ACCRUED SINCE THE PROPERTY TAX WENT TO LIEN, PROVIDED ALL PROPERTY TAX LIENS ARE CLEARED AND ALL PROPERTY TAXES ARE PAID IN FULL BY THE CLOSE OF BUSINESS ON DECEMBER 30, 2013
 
WHEREAS, there are currently a significant number of Town tax liens outstanding which could
result in foreclosure proceedings to collect the outstanding debt; however, the Town Board desires to give
owners of real property situated within the Town with such liens an opportunity to avoid impending
foreclosure proceedings by granting such owners a one-time incentive to pay off their property tax liens;
and
 
WHEREAS, the Tax Interest Amnesty Program Incentive proposed by the Town Board consists
of 100% abatement of interest that accrued on the tax liens subsequent to the date that the property tax
went to lien; and
 
WHEREAS, the Town is desirous of offering a qualified Town property owner the Tax Interest
Amnesty Program Incentive, provided the property owner clears all outstanding real property tax liens
and pays in full all outstanding property taxes no later than the close of business on December 30, 2013;
and
 
WHEREAS, pursuant to 1182 of the New York State Real Property Tax Law, the Town Board, as
the governing body of Town, may authorize the Town’s Receiver of Taxes to permit cancellation, in
whole or in part, of any interest, penalties or other charges to which the Town would be entitled to, if the
Town Board determines that such cancellation is in the best interest of the Town; and
 
WHEREAS, the Town Board finds that such cancellation of interest subsequent to the date that
the tax went to lien, pursuant to the proposed Tax Interest Amnesty Program, is in the best interests of the
Town; and
 
WHEREAS, the Town’s offer of the Tax Interest Amnesty Program , referred to above, is a onetime
offer, which terminates as of the close of business on December 30, 2013 and does not apply to any
tax payments received prior to the initiation of the Tax Interest Amnesty program;
 
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Greenburgh
hereby establishes a Tax Interest Amnesty Program Incentive for qualified Town property owners,
offering an opportunity for property owners to clear outstanding property tax liens in exchange for a
100% abatement of interest that accrued subsequent to the date that the tax went to lien, provided all
outstanding real property tax liens are cleared and all outstanding property taxes are paid in full by the
close of business on December 30, 2013; and
 
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Tax Interest Amnesty Program Incentive, referred to above,
is applicable to interest on taxes that went to lien post-January 1, 1995, and is a one-time offer,
commencing September 26, 2013, and terminating at the close of business on December 30, 2013, and
does not apply to any tax payments received prior to September 26, 2013.

 
May 28, 2014
 
 
Dear Neighbor: 
 
This letter is being written because I’m nervous about the foreclosure process that is about to take place. As you may know, the town is proceeding with plans to foreclose on properties that owe taxes. Foreclosure will take place within months, however there is still time to avoid worst case scenarios. I personally know many of the people who are in danger of having their properties foreclosed and I am stressed out. Many of the people who owe back taxes are decent people, like you, who are experiencing hard times. My goal is to help you get past this stressful time. 
 
Under the law when a foreclosure takes place the local government gets the property. If a house is worth $500,000 and the taxpayer owes the town $100,000 the taxpayer loses the entire equity in the house - all $500,000. However, if you are able to sign a tax agreement and pay the back taxes in installments over a two year period you don’t lose everything. You only pay what you owe. Selling your home or obtaining a reverse mortgage is preferable to letting the government take your property.
 
There is an organization called Westchester Residential Opportunities. They have helped people just like you.  They have received a grant from Westchester County, the United States government and private funders to help people who owe taxes avoid losing the entire equity in their home. They have helped Westchester residents retain the equity in their homes or transition to new housing if the home is no longer affordable.
 
I spoke with Jane Lindau earlier this week. She told me that she does not charge a fee for her service.  She would love to help you. Jane’s phone number is 428-4507 ext. 313.  I hope that you will take advantage of her offer to help.  Our goal: for you to get back on your feet, and to make the best possible decisions.  Thanks so much for being proactive and making smart choices for your families.
 
Sincerely,
 
 
Paul J. Feiner, Town Supervisor
 
WRO IS A HUD CERTIFIED NOT-FOR-PROFIT HOUSING COUNSELING AGENCY 
 
Jane Lindau
DIRECTOR OF SENIOR HOUSING
HECM Counselor, Foreclosure Counselor
Westchester Residential Opportunities
470 Mamaroneck Ave., Suite 410
White Plains, NY 10605
Tel 914 428-4507 ext. 313
Fax 914 428-9455   Hours: Monday through Friday 8am - 4pm 
 

 
June 26, 2014
 
 
 
Dear Neighbor,
 
Thought you might be interested in our July 15th workshop for those who are behind in paying taxes.  Jane Lindau and Westchester Residential Opportunities received a grant to help people avoid foreclosures.
 
Unfortunately, the town is required to collect taxes owed to us.  NYS law states that when a town forecloses, the town takes ownership of the property.  For example, if a taxpayer owes the town $80,000 and their property is worth $1,000,000 and we foreclose on the property, the person who owes us the back taxes not only loses the $80,000 but loses the entire value of the property.
 
That's why I keep writing to you.  I don't want the town to get a windfall. The entire Town Board and I want you to pay your obligations to the town and not lose everything.  Jane Lindau might be able to help you in giving advice or assisting you during these difficult times.
 
It's possible that properties that are going to be foreclosed will be turned over to the town by the end of the year.  So - there is still a little time left.
 
Thanks for taking action steps to avoid the foreclosure.
 
Sincerely,
 
 
 
Paul J. Feiner
Town Supervisor
 
PJF:ca
Encl
 

 

 

 


 
July 28, 2014
 
 
Dear Property Owner,
 
I'm sorry if these letters to property owners who face foreclosure are stressing you out. But, our intentions are good: We don't want you to lose all the value of your property. 
 
Under New York State law, once a property is foreclosed by a municipality the local government gets to keep 100% of the property values.  If a taxpayer’s house is worth $500,000 (for example) and the taxpayer owes $90,000 in back taxes the town gets to keep the $500,000. And - after the Judge turns over the property to the town, the former owner gets NOTHING. 
 
During  the month of August the town will be taking the next steps that will lead to foreclosure.  The Town Attorney's office has advised that names and addresses of people who owe taxes will have to be published in the newspapers - a provision required by state law. It's possible that a Judge could turn over the properties on the foreclosure list to the town in late November, although it's likely that it could take a little (but not much) longer. 
 
Since my last letter was sent out a number of people have worked out payment agreements with the Receiver of Taxes office.  Others have reached out to family members asking for help, or have contacted real estate brokers, putting their homes up for sale.  Westchester Residential Opportunities could also be contacted for assistance. Jane Lindau can be reached at 914-428-4507 ext. 313. 
 
I understand that you are facing a problem--owing back taxes to the town. I also understand how stressful this is for you and your family. I'm hopeful that you'll be proactive now while there is still time so you won't lose all your equity.   
 
I am more than willing to meet with you personally and want to be of help. I'm stressed out because I want you to come out of this with the best scenario possible.
 
Sincerely,
 
 
 
Paul J. Feiner
Town Supervisor

 

 

 


November 7, 2014
 
 
3/3/2016 
Dear Neighbor:   
 
As you know, the town is obligated to pursue foreclosure proceedings against those who haven’t paid their back taxes.  We’ve written letters to you and others in the past suggesting that you work out a payment plan with the town to avoid foreclosure, contact a non-profit organization (like Westchester Residential Opportunities) which has helped many take action steps to avoid foreclosure. Or, to sell your home.
 
The problem with foreclosure: once the town forecloses on a house you lose everything, the entire house.  If a person owes the town $200,000 in back taxes and if the house is worth $400,000 the town gets the house.  That is the law of the State of New York.  So, it makes sense for those in danger of foreclosure to do everything you can to avoid foreclosure.  You can lose everything!  Even more than you owe.
 
The town is obligated to pursue foreclosure proceedings and move forward.  However, many people on the list have been paying up or working out tax agreements and are being taken off the list of people in danger of foreclosure.  The Town Attorney’s office has agreed to hold off the actually filing of the papers until the end of the year – giving you a little extra time to avoid losing your property.
 
I continue to be willing to meet with you and town staff to discuss action steps you could take to avoid foreclosure.  Feel free to call me anytime.  The town is required by law to collect back taxes.  We cannot cancel the foreclosure process.  We want to work with you.
 
Sincerely,
 
 
 
Paul J. Feiner
Town Supervisor
 
 

 

 


 
May 21, 2015
 
WE DO NOT WANT YOU TO LOSE YOUR PROPERTY
TOWN INITIATING FORECLOSURE PROCEEDINGS TO COLLECT BACK TAXES 
 
Dear Neighbor: 
 
During the past year and a half I have written you a number of letters advising that the town is owed significant back taxes by some residents. We’ve offered to help you reach out to organizations that could provide you with advice so you could avoid losing your assets.  Many people have taken advantage of our offer. They have sold their property or worked out payment agreements. 
 
The town is required by law to collect the back taxes and will be filing a notice and petition with the courts within the next two weeks.  I’m writing you this note because you may still have some time to avoid losing everything. Once the town forecloses on a property the property owner loses the entire house or property.  For example, if you owe $50,000 and the house is worth $500,000 - the town gets to keep the entire house and you get nothing. 
 
As a result, it makes sense to sell the property or obtain other financing before the town acquires it. Three months following the town’s filing of the notice and petition a Judge will have the ability to take action – turning over the property to the town. There is still about three months left before your property could be taken away. 
 
Please contact Anne Povella, Receiver of Taxes at 989-1550 to discuss. I am also more than happy to help you reach out to nonprofit organizations that might be able to help you avoid the worst case scenario.
 
Sincerely,
 
 
 
Paul J. Feiner
Town Supervisor
 
Cc: Town Council Members
Tim Lewis, Town Attorney
Michael Pflaum, Attorney
Anne Povella, Receiver of Taxes
 

 

 

 

March 9, 2016

 

 

 

Dear

 

Last week the Greenburgh Town Board filed a petition in NYS Supreme Court to foreclose on 72 properties that owe the town back taxes. In the near future a NYS Supreme Court Judge will issue an order transferring the properties to the town.

 

I'm writing you this note because you currently owe the town back taxes. I don't want you to face foreclosure. The town is required by law to foreclose on properties that owe back taxes.  You are not on the list of people who are currently facing foreclosure in NYS Supreme Court.  But, in the coming months the town will start proceedings to collect back taxes against people like you on the next list.

 

You still have time to avoid the foreclosure and to work out payment plans with the Receiver of Taxes office. There may be nonprofit organizations that can help. Other options: you can sell your property or obtain a reverse mortgage.

 

I'm more than willing to meet with you personally to try to help. You can also call the following people for assistance: the Receiver of Taxes Anne Povella at 914-989-1551 or Michael Pflaum, Special Counsel at 914-989-1629.  We don't want your property. We are required to collect back taxes. 

 

Sincerely,

 

 

 

Paul J. Feiner

Town Supervisor

 

Cc:       Greenburgh Town Council

 

 

 

September 7, 2016

 

 

 

Dear Property Owner:

 

I’m writing you this note because you are on the list of property owners who owe back taxes. There is a law on the books that requires the town to collect back taxes and to initiate foreclosure proceedings against those who haven’t paid their tax bills.  If the town forecloses on properties that owe back taxes – the town gets to keep the entire asset and the property owner gets nothing back. That’s the law. And we don’t want that to happen to you.

 

We haven’t filed a petition in Supreme Court seeking to foreclose on your property yet. There is still time to pay the town what is owed.  I encourage you to contact the Receiver of Taxes Anne Povella at 989-1551 or Michael Pflaum at 989-1629 to work out a payment plan or to pay your taxes in full. You can also contact me personally. I can reach out to non-profit groups that specialize in helping families avoid foreclosure.

 

Thanks for giving this your attention.

 

Sincerely,

 

 

 

Paul J. Feiner

Town Supervisor

 

PJF:ca

 

Cc:      Anne Povella, Receiver of Taxes

Michael Pflaum, Office of the Town Attorney

            Tim Lewis, Town Attorney

            Greenburgh Town Board

 

 

September 2, 2016

 

 

 

 

Dear Property Owner:

 

During the past few years the Town has sent you a number of letters advising that you could face foreclosure on your property for failing to pay taxes owed to the Town.

We sent letters to over 300 property owners a few years ago and all but approximately 60 property owners have paid their tax bills. You have not.  A petition was filed in NYS Supreme Court to foreclose on your property months ago. We expect the Judge to sign the papers shortly.

 

The Town Board and I would like to give you one final chance to avoid foreclosure: if you pay the back taxes immediately we will not take the property.  It's now too late for a tax agreement so 100% of the property taxes owed must be paid.  If the Town forecloses on the property (which we don't want to do but legally must) you lose everything.  If you owe less than what the property is worth the town gets to keep the surplus.  One suggestion: you might want to sell the property as soon as possible so that the back taxes are paid.

 

We are not looking to hurt you or upset you. The Town has a responsibility to collect taxes.  We want you to come out of this process in the best position possible.  Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

 

Sincerely,

 

 

 

Paul J. Feiner

Town Supervisor

 

PJF:ca

 

 

 

October 13, 2017

 

 

 

Dear Property Owner

 

At the last meeting of the Greenburgh Town Board the Town Board approved a resolution authorizing the sale of foreclosed properties. The properties being foreclosed on (to be sold) did not pay taxes to the town.  A copy of the resolution that the Town Board approved is enclosed for your information.

 

I am writing this note to you because YOU ARE NOT ON THAT LIST. Your property is NOT being foreclosed on at this time. However, you owe back taxes and you could be on the NEXT LIST if you don't pay the taxes owed to the town, county, fire and school districts.  No member of the Town Board wants that to happen. I wrote similar letters to a few hundred property owners in recent years urging these property owners to pay their back taxes. All but 68 taxpayers paid their taxes and were able to avoid foreclosure. We worked out payment plans for some and connected families and other property owners with nonprofit organizations that were willing to help them.

 

No member of the Town Board wants your property to be foreclosed on. If you would like to avoid foreclosure and if you want me to help you by contacting other groups that might be able to help, please call me. I am more than happy to meet and will do everything humanly possible to help. I don't want you to be stressed out over this. People experience hard times all the time but you can avoid a worst case scenario--foreclosure--if you act now.

 

I can be reached at home, at the office and by cell.

 

Sincerely,

 

 

 

Paul J. Feiner

Town Supervisor

 

Cc:      Greenburgh Town Council

            Tim Lewis, Town Attorney

            Anne Povella, Receiver of Taxes

 

Enc:    TB-1 – 09/27/17

 

 

 

 

 

 




Print this page Print this page Print this page Email this page Email this page





Contact Information | Home | Town Supervisor | Town Council | Town Clerk's Office | Tax Department | Departments | Documents & Forms | Town Code | GIS Maps, Tax and Assessment Information | Agendas & Minutes | Watch Live Board Meetings | Public Access TV On Demand | Links | Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) | Employment Opportunities | Town Updates by E-Mail | Pay Parking Tickets Online | Pay Water Bill Online | On-Line Tax Payments
Use Mobile Site

Copyright © 2014 Town of Greenburgh, NY. All Rights Reserved.

Powered by Cit-e-Net