RyeCity REVIEW THE
May 5, 2017 | Vol. 5, Number 18 | www.ryecityreview.com
Lessing’s tax-exempt status under review By FRANCO FINO Staff Writer
REPORTING LIVE... Richard Giacovas, a graduate of Rye High School, became a reporter for News 12 Westchester in March 2015. As a reporter, Giacovas writes, shoots and edits all of his own work. For story, see page 10. Photo/Andrew Dapolite
RyeACT set to release annual survey results By JAMES PERO Staff Writer For the second year, Rye Action for Children and Teens, RyeACT, a community coalition to prevent drug abuse, will release the results of a student survey on drug and alcohol abuse amongst Rye’s teens and adolescents. According to City Councilwoman Julie Killian, a Republican, who also co-chairs RyeACT, the survey results—which are being unveiled Tuesday, May 9 at Rye High School—will serve two major
functions for those intent on curbing substance abuse in the community. “The survey is used for a couple different things,” Killian said. “One thing is figuring out where we should be spending your time.” For instance, Killian said, while much of Rye’s focus has shifted toward the sweeping, and sometimes fatal, influence of opioid addiction, last year’s survey revealed that Rye’s youth displayed an unusually high proclivity for marijuana and alcohol, compared to the national and county averages.
“So many people are focused on [the] opioid crisis now, but a big part of the problem is alcohol, cigarettes and marijuana,” she said. “This survey is to help focus on what the problems are in the community.” The survey, Killian told the Review, can also be used as an indication of just how effective anti-drug initiatives have been, by showing tangible evidence whether abuse has risen or fell since last year’s report. SURVEY continued on page 8
The city assessor is reviewing the status of the tax-exempt Lessing’s operation at Whitby Castle, the Review has learned. Rye City Assessor Noreen Whitty confirmed she is in the process of reviewing the taxable status of the dining and catering operation and expects to make a determination on June 1, which could leave Lessing’s responsible for up to $25,000 a year in property taxes. The city of Rye currently does not impose a real estate tax on Lessing’s, the Long Island-based company that took over food and beverage operations of Whitby Castle at the city-run Rye Golf Club in 2014. However, in its 10-year contract with the city, the catering company agreed to pay all taxes by governmental or administrative entities if imposed. If the assessor revokes the operation’s tax-exempt status, it would be responsible for paying a real estate tax among other potential taxes and fees that might be incurred. The city already takes home approximately $300,000 annually from its profit-sharing agreement with Lessing’s; $200,000 of that revenue comes from an annual rent payment made by the company. The restaurant, which is open to the public, offers casual dining and outdoor patio tables as well as a bar area and catering services for wedding,
At a glance The Rye City assessor is currently reviewing the taxable status of the Lessing’s dining and catering operation at Rye Golf Club’s Whitby Castle The private operation is currently tax-exempt, but it could face up to $25,000 in real estate taxes each year if the assessor determines it’s a taxable entity The assessor is expecting to make a determination on June 1 for the city’s 2017 tentative assessment roll
club member-only events and private events. The news of Whitty’s tax review at Whitby comes with added significance, as the city recently settled an ongoing dispute with the town of Rye and the Rye Town Park Commission relating to its restaurant, which had been tax-exempt for more than 100 years. Last November, the Second Department of the New York Supreme Court Appellate Division handed down a decision that confirmed the city of Rye’s ability to tax the restaurant situated TAX continued on page 8