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FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT www.couriersun.com APRIL 16, 2015 • THE COURIER SUN 11 Groups warn about upcoming tax lien sales BY ANGELA MATUA THE COURIER/Photo by Liam La Guerre Homeowners have several options if editorial@queenscourier.com they fi nd themselves on this list, according @AngelaMatua to CNYCN’s website. They can pay off outstanding lien charges in full to DOF New York City’s annual tax lien or water lien taxes to the Department of sale will take place on Friday, May 15, Environmental Protection (DEP). and Queens homeowners who are not They can also enter into a no money aware that they are on the list can face down payment agreement to break down increased fi nancial burden and even the lien into small payments, which can be foreclosure. paid over a time period of up to 10 years. The tax lien list includes owners who Exemptions are available for seniors, are delinquent on their property taxes, people with disabilities, veterans and water and sewer bills and other property people on active military duty. charges. The neighborhoods in Queens with The Department of Finance (DOF) the most one- to four-family homes on sends fi ve letters to each homeowner to the list are Jamaica with 1,203 homes, notify them that they are on the list. They Queens Village with 728 homes and also release the list 90 days, 60 days, 30 Rockaway with 478 homes. According days and 10 days before the sale. to Hassett, the 30-day lien list indicates One nonprofi t organization is using its that there are 3,996 homes in Queens website to advise nonprofi ts and elected that are in danger of having their liens offi cials on how to make the biggest sold on May 15. impact when doing outreach to remove Homeowners can call 311 and speak people from the list. to DOF to make a payment or visit nyc. “The way the city releases the data, it’s gov/liensale to enter a payment agreement very hard to see as a layperson where or complete exemption forms. the biggest impact is,” Matthew Hassett, To make water and sewer payments, director of policy and communications the DEP can be reached at 718-595-7000 of Center for NYC Neighborhoods said. or nyc.gov/dep. “So we thought by putting this on a map, The DOF also hosts outreach sessions it would help everyone involved.” to assist owners with payment plans, Center for NYC Neighborhoods exemptions and more. The dates and (CNYCN) is also aiming to educate locations are listed at nyc.gov/fi nance. the most at-risk communities. Families New York City sells the lien to an authorized These lienholders can charge up to Hassett also urged families who can access this map and the resources third party collection agency. This 18 percent interest and if this money have questions about payment plans, available to help them avoid the sale at third party becomes the lienholder and, is not paid, homeowners can be hit exemption forms or any other parts of cnycn.org/taxliensale. therefore, purchases the right to collect with a formal foreclosure proceeding, the lien sale process to call CNYCN at Instead of foreclosing on buildings, money that homeowners owe the city. Hassett said. 646-786-0888. Great rates like ours are always in season. 24-Month CD 1.25%APY* At Flushing Bank, we’re small enough to know you and large enough to provide you with the great rates you’re looking for. Hurry, an offer like this can’t last forever. For more information and to find out about our other great offers, visit your local Flushing Bank branch, call 800.581.2889 or visit www.FlushingBank.com. $5,000 minimum deposit *New money only. APY effective April 2, 2015. Annual percentage yield assumes principal and interest remain on deposit for a full year at current rate. Minimum deposit balance of $5,000 is required. Funds cannot be transferred from an existing Flushing Bank account. Premature withdrawals may be subject to bank and IRS penalties. Rates and offer are subject to change without notice. Flushing Bank is a registered trademark


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