Posted by Leonard Steinberg on August 16th, 2012

In a country where  most who earn $ 1 million pay over 30% in federal taxes, yet a few of the ‘chosen few’  like Mitt Romeny pay closer to half that (huh?), and where Obama thinks New Yorkers who earn $ 250k per year are rich,  it is not surprising that in Manhattan a ‘new normal’ is being established for new building monthly costs (real estate taxes and common charges) will cost closer to $ 3/sf. per month. Of course this, just like our bizzare tax code that views us as un-equal equals,  is siginificnatly higher than may existing buildings. Why? Well……it’s OK to punish a few so that others can benefit by their pain, no? The system is so incredibly corrupt I am not sure what is more astounding: the  fact that  ‘equals’ pay signinficantly different real estate taxes, or the fact that there is a surreal hushed silence on the subject?

I guess because those being punished with unfairly higher real estate taxes are in the minority, its ok for this minority to be discriminated against?

But now this silence is about to end. Now that the 421-A tax abatements are expiring and home owners are physically seeing the reality of their grotesquely higher tax bills, this disguntled minority group is growing every year. Hopefully it grows to the point where a class action lawsuit can be filed to highlight this absurd discrimination.