Economic Development Task Force

ECOMONIC DEVELOPMENT TASK FORCE Councilperson, Edward Poteat City Council President, Danielle Browne, Esq. Legislation Committee Meeting Notes Date: April 9, 2025 Discussion Topics 1. Business Uses, Zoning, and Economic Development • Discussed concerns regarding limiting certain business types through legislation and the potential legal risks associated with restricting property uses. • Consensus emerged that zoning reform is a more effective long-term tool for shaping business development than attempting to prohibit specific business categories. • Emphasized that clear zoning regulations help property owners and investors understand permissible uses and encourage appropriate development. • Noted that meaningful economic development outcomes require long-term planning and may take 5–10 years to materialize. • Agreed that comprehensive planning and zoning reform remain critical priorities. 2. Cash-Based Businesses and Tax Collection • Discussed concerns regarding cash-based businesses and potential underreporting of taxable revenue. • Clarified that sales tax collection and enforcement authority primarily resides with New York State, not the municipality. • Noted that the City may make referrals to state agencies for investigation but does not have direct authority to enforce sales tax collection. • Discussed the possibility of advocating for state-level changes that would allow taxation of certain personal care businesses. 3. Permitting, Licensing, and Revenue Opportunities • Discussed reviewing permitting processes, licensing requirements, and associated fees. • Identified permit and licensing fees as potential revenue-generating opportunities. • Recommended researching practices in comparable municipalities and considering legislative updates where appropriate. • Discussed reducing administrative friction while maintaining necessary oversight. 4. Film Industry Opportunities • Discussed Mount Vernon’s appeal as a filming location and the potential to generate additional revenue through film permitting. • Considered whether the City should: 1 ECOMONIC DEVELOPMENT TASK FORCE Councilperson, Edward Poteat City Council President, Danielle Browne, Esq. o Establish a dedicated film office, o Assign film coordination responsibilities within an existing department, or o Engage a consultant or agent compensated through commissions. • Agreed to gather information from professionals familiar with film industry operations and municipal film permitting programs. 5. Vacant Building Legislation • Reviewed ongoing concerns regarding vacant commercial properties and their impact on economic development. • Discussed draft legislation being developed regarding vacant properties. • Explored examples from other municipalities that impose: o Vacant property registration requirements, o Annual fees, o Maintenance obligations, and o Escalating vacancy taxes. • Discussed balancing enforcement with protections for property owners experiencing economic hardship. • Noted the importance of clearly defining what constitutes a “vacant” property. • Suggested utilizing property assessment records to assist with vacancy determinations. • Considered redevelopment incentives as a complement to vacancy penalties. 6. Tax Lien and Property Activation Strategies • Discussed how vacant property taxes could potentially encourage redevelopment or generate additional municipal revenue. • Considered implications of unpaid vacancy taxes, including tax lien sales and property acquisition processes. • Noted ongoing discussions regarding broader tax lien policies. 7. Personal Care Businesses • Discussed the concentration of personal care businesses such as barber shops, beauty salons, nail salons, and hair-braiding establishments. • Reviewed information regarding taxation of these businesses in New York City. • Acknowledged that implementation of similar measures locally would likely require state authorization. • Identified this issue as a potential legislative priority for state advocacy. 8. Sign Ordinances and Business Appearance Standards • Discussed concerns regarding inconsistent business signage throughout the city. • Reviewed existing sign ordinances and the current approval process. 2 ECOMONIC DEVELOPMENT TASK FORCE Councilperson, Edward Poteat City Council President, Danielle Browne, Esq. • Considered whether sign approvals should be streamlined through the Building Department rather than requiring review by additional boards. • Discussed developing clearer signage standards and stronger enforcement mechanisms. • Recognized the importance of signage aesthetics in supporting economic development and community appearance. 9. Code Enforcement and Adjudication • Discussed challenges associated with code enforcement cases moving through the court system. • Noted significant delays in processing violations. • Explored alternatives that would allow certain violations to be handled administratively through tickets rather than court proceedings. • Discussed the possibility of creating a municipal authority to adjudicate violations, similar to parking authorities used in other municipalities. • Agreed that additional legal research is needed regarding implementation options. 10. Building Department and Permit Enforcement • Discussed incorporating signage compliance into the permitting process for new businesses. • Recommended ensuring that businesses understand signage requirements prior to opening. • Discussed improving enforcement capacity and staffing resources. Key Action Items • Review permitting, licensing, and fee structures in comparable municipalities. • Gather information regarding film office models and film permitting programs. • Obtain and review draft vacant property legislation. • Research vacancy tax models used in other municipalities. • Explore state legislative options regarding taxation of personal care businesses. • Review existing sign ordinances and identify opportunities for streamlining approvals. • Research alternatives to court-based code enforcement, including administrative ticketing and adjudication authorities. • Continue advancing comprehensive planning and zoning reform efforts. Proposed Topics for Follow-Up • Business licensing and fee structures • Vacant building tax legislation • Film permitting and revenue generation 3 ECOMONIC DEVELOPMENT TASK FORCE Councilperson, Edward Poteat City Council President, Danielle Browne, Esq. • Taxation of personal care businesses • Sign ordinance revisions • Code enforcement reform and adjudication alternatives • Economic development and zoning implementation strategies 4