Councilman David G. Greenfield is hosting an event this week for all district homeowners who have a tax lien placed against their home for unpaid property taxes, water and sewer charges, emergency repairs or other municipal services. The city is holding a tax lien sale next month, at which time outstanding liens can be sold to third-party companies for collection. To help prevent that from happening, Councilman Greenfield is urging all homeowners with outstanding liens to attend his free public event this Thursday, April 18 from noon to 2 p.m. at his district office, 4424 16th Avenue in Boro Park.

Thursday’s meeting will provide homeowners with the opportunity to meet directly with representatives from city agencies including the Department of Finance, Department of Environmental Protection and Department of Housing Preservation and Development to find out if they are eligible to be exempt from the lien sale, receive debt assistance or create a payment agreement. It is critical for homeowners to act before the May 16 deadline to avoid having the lien sold to a third-party company.

Once the lien is sold, the third-party company can then apply extremely high interest rates to the amount owed, along with other administrative fees. In addition, once the company places a lien on the home, it has standing as a creditor and can be paid from the proceeds of a sale or refinancing. Liens must be cleared before the home can be sold, and a homeowner is at risk of having their property foreclosed on if outstanding liens are not resolved within six months. At Thursday’s event, homeowners will have a chance to enter into a payment agreement with the city at a lower interest rate than what a third-party company generally applies. In addition, some residents including certain seniors, veterans and disabled individuals are exempt from the lien sale depending on their specific situation.

“One of my top priorities is to help residents resolve issues with the city, so I hope that all local homeowners with unpaid debts will take advantage of this opportunity. This event has proven to be invaluable in years past to the hundreds of homeowners who have resolved their outstanding New York City debt. It just takes a few minutes to meet confidentially with representatives and discuss a payment plan, so please act now before it is too late,” said Councilman Greenfield.

Homeowners are encouraged to make appointments in advance by calling Councilman Greenfield’s at (718) 853-2704. The event will take place in the second-floor ballroom directly across the hall from his district office, and residents should bring proof of identity and proof of their relationship to the property, such as the most recent recorded deed or corporation papers.

(YWN Desk – NYC)