New York Senate and Assembly Pass COVID-19 Property Tax Relief Legislation

A COVID-19 property tax relief bill is on its way to Governor Cuomo's desk for signature. The bill, S8138B, empowers local taxing jurisdictions to defer property taxes for up to 120 days from their original due date. Alternatively, the taxing jurisdiction can create a payment plan with similar time restrictions. This special legislation will automatically expire with the State Disaster Emergency Declaration.

The bill does not require all local taxing jurisdictions to provide deferral options to taxpayers. It only gives them the option to do so. Assuming Governor Cuomo signs this bill, look to your tax assessor's office to see if your jurisdiction will make use of this new legislation to provide COVID-19 property tax relief. 

Lieb Podcast: Restaurant Innovation Driving the Industry of Tomorrow

This pandemic is turning the restaurant industry upside down and creating new opportunities for restaurants to shift their businesses, adapt and innovate. From new ways of doing take out, curbside and opening up when the government allows, restaurants have unique opportunities to get creative. This week's guests includes Melissa Fleischut, the CEO of New York State Restaurant Association discussing guidance and lobbying efforts. We have Restaurateur and Executive Chef Joe DeNicola who owns 8 restaurants sharing unique ways they have changed their business model and finally we have Tora Matsuoka, strategist and owner of iconic Hamptons restaurants inspiring every entrepreneur how to finish the puzzle to their personal success.

Live shows are on Sundays between 12pm and 1pm on WRCN 103.9FM

This 1 hour show was aired on 5/24/20 on WRCN 103.9 FM. You can download the podcasts for this show at www.listentolieb.com or by clicking on the podcast links below.

• Seg 1: Restaurant Innovation Driving the Industry of Tomorrow

• Seg 2: Alcohol To-Go Lobbying Discussed with CEO of New York State Restaurant Association

• Seg 3: Stories of How Restaurants are Changing to Thrive

• Seg 4: How Innovative Hamptons Restaurants Pivot to Awesome

Courts to Begin Limited In-Person Operations on Long Island

On May 18, 2020 the New York State Court System resumed limited in-person operations in upstate counties. Today Chief Judge Janet DiFiore announced that in-person operations will expand to Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland and Westchester Counties on May 27, Ulster and Sullivan Counties on May 28, and Nassau and Suffolk County on May 29. 

These re-openings are consistent with Phase 1 re-opening guidelines set by the Governor's Office and can be expanded as Phase 2 and further guidelines are met. 

Phase 1 operations permit judges, chambers staff, and some other limited personnel to return to their physical offices while operating in a manner consistent with current health and social distancing guidelines. Public in-person appearances will be limited to filings of emergency applications and the adjudication of matters that were previously identified as essential. In-person appearances for non-emergency and non-essential matters will be deferred to the courts' expanded virtual capabilities. 

Our court system is more capable than ever. Virtual conferences and the clearing of pending motions has put the courts in a position to handle the influx of new cases that will be filed now that non-essential matters can be commenced and in-person operations are returning. Chief Judge DiFiore has signaled that the expanded use of virtual court operations will be maintained by the courts for the foreseeable future as courthouses look to push as many public visitors as possible away from its doors and onto their computers screens. 

The Court System's official press release can be found HERE. The transcript of Judge DiFiore's latest message can be found HERE. A summary of the current state of online and in-person operations can be found HERE.