Sandy victims face ‘heartless’ tax hikes

As homeowners in Manhattan Beach, Brooklyn continue to shell out tens of thousands of dollars to repair extensive damage caused by Hurricane Sandy in October, the city has claimed that property values have increased in the area and homeowners are now facing higher tax bills, the New York Post reports.

One homeowner stated that his tax bill will increase by $200 since the city claims his property value has gone up by nearly $80,000.

But residents say they are shocked because it is obvious that property values have fallen, and many homes are still far from being repaired.

Councilman Michael Nelson of Brooklyn called the increases “heartless” and believes the city must address the situation.

Property owners in other areas who also saw extensive damage from the storm, including Coney Island, Staten Island and the Rockaways, told the Post that they have also received tax hikes.

Homeowners have until March 15 to appeal to the city Tax Commission.