Residents will see $200 tax increase as New Hyde Park focuses on 'investment in the community'

Plans by the mayor and trustees in New Hyde Park to make a long-term “investment in the community” will cost village homeowners $200 more in annual taxes under a proposed $7.4 million budget.

The 2022-23 tentative spending plan would increase a homeowner's tax bill by an estimated $200.88 a year, village officials said. About half of the proposed increase would help fund the construction of a community center to replace Marcus Christ Hall, which hasn’t been updated since the 1980s, Mayor Christopher Devane said. The village estimates the project would run close to $1.6 million.

“It’s something that can be a real treasure for the community, and there’ll be a real celebration when it finally gets done that everyone can partake in and hopefully come to the community center and enjoy it,” Devane told Newsday after Thursday’s hearing.

The proposed budget increases spending by 15.66%, or $720,000, over the last adopted budget. The village projects that medical, dental and vision expenses will rise by more than $125,000 over last year’s budget. Additionally, an increase of $70,000 in tree removal and maintenance expenses is projected, while budget allocation for pay raises will rise by almost $90,000.

New Hyde Park has lost parking-related revenues throughout the village due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and officials have forecast a loss of almost $60,000. Parking meters are the second-highest source of revenue, after village taxes, trustees noted.

Some residents expressed cautious optimism about the changes and said they hope the tax increase doesn’t set a precedent for future budgets.

Michele Pomara, a 22-year resident of the village, said many homeowners are still recovering economically from the pandemic and noted the high prices due to inflation, but said the work being done to town parks and facilities is needed.

“We are not against renovating Marcus Christ Hall, but it’s a huge undertaking,” Pomara said. “When someone reaches into your pocket, you want to know why, and you want to know if it’s a need or a want.”

Lifelong village resident Diane Bentivegna said the tax increase is warranted to help enhance the village’s amenities.

“When you consider all that was neglected for more than 10 years, I can fully understand why something like a tax increase happens and, in my opinion, it’s completely justified,” Bentivegna said. “We’re a very tiny village and we only have a few amenities here.”

Bentivegna, who noted that she’s retired and lives on a fixed income, said in order to attract new and diverse people, the village’s amenities, such as Marcus Christ Hall, need overhauling.

“I want to invest in my community,” Bentivegna said. “This is the home of my family, my friends, my neighbors, and it’s time we invest in ourselves.”