Information Page For Discussions Involving Erie Boulevard Hydropower Inc., aka Brookfield Renewable Energy

According to doc filed on 8/19/21, Colton is now being represented in the matter of Eire Boulevard by the Poughkeepsie law firm Lewis & Greer.

This would seem to be an extremely positive development for Colton homeowners.

<<Representing exclusively municipalities and school districts, we defend real property assessments on large utility, industrial, and commercial facilities. Through a unique involvement in the appraisal of power generating facilities, the firm has close ties with a network of nationally recognized utility appraisers and engineering experts. At the request of the New York State Bar Association, we co-authored the most recent update of the text of "Review and Reduction of Real Property Assessments in New York," and also submitted an amicus curiae brief on behalf of the New York State Association of Towns in Niagara Mohawk Power Co. v. Town of Geddes, 92, N.Y.2d 192 (1998). Our attorneys have made numerous presentations on this specialized area of practice to attorneys and appraisers.>>

https://lewisgreer.com/real-property-taxation/

The attorneys at Lewis & Greer, P.C. have over 100 years of combined experience representing the business, commercial, and personal interests of our clients throughout the Hudson Valley, New York State, and beyond. Our practice areas include Construction Law, Corporate Law, Education Law, Labor Relations, Municipal Law, Real Estate Law and Real Property Taxation.

lewisgreer.com




9/29/20 - As most of you have heard, Erie Boulevard Hydropower, Inc., which many of us still refer to as "Brookfield", has filed petitions for real property tax assessment reductions.  The Watertown Daily Times, in an article in NNY360, has published this artcle describing the action.  In an effort to keep you informed of developments, the Higley Association will publish information for your review.

10/14/20 - This letter was read and presented by Association President, Lin Snyder to the Colton Town Board at its' October 14th meeting.-  The entire letter is included in the link, however if you're unable to read it properly, here's the primary contents:

October 14, 2020


Town of Colton Supervisor Cayey And Members of the Town Board:

It is with great concern that we communicate on behalf of the membership of The Higley Association in regards to the assessment of the six (6) Erie Boulevard properties/facilities along the Raquette River in the Town of Colton. With the Board of Assessor’s denial of the Power Company’s request for further and significant reduction in assessment earlier this year, they have since filed a petition for review with the NYS Supreme Court (July 30, 2020). Should the Court grant said reduction, the property owners on Higley Flow as well as the entire town, can not be relied upon to make up the difference with more dramatic tax increases. To do so would cause great hardship and cause many to have to sell properties they have perhaps owned for years.

The Colton Town Board must take any and all steps necessary to show and prove the accuracy of which these parcels are assessed. Again, any significant change to those assessments CAN NOT be recovered on the backs of the taxpayers!

Sincerely,

Linden Snyder,

President