Raia Calls on Cuomo to Address LIPA Lawsuit

During a legislative breakfast hosted by Governor Andrew Cuomo at the Governor’s Mansion last week, Assemblyman Andrew Raia (R,I,C-East Northport) wasted no time in bringing up an issue important to residents of the

That is, the pending tax certiorari lawsuit filed by and the  challenging the Town of Huntington's assessed value of the plant.

“I made sure that Governor Cuomo is aware of the severity of the situation regarding the Northport power plant. He is now acutely aware of the enormous tax burden that the school district and Long Island taxpayers would face,” Raia said.

In the lawsuit LIPA claims that they are over-assessed and is asking for the court’s assistance in reducing its assessment. If LIPA wins the lawsuit property taxes would rise nearly 50 percent to cover the loss of property tax revenue from the plant and refunds totaling $63.4 million would have to be issued. This vast financial loss could put an unbearable strain on the town and school district.

"I was sitting next to the Governor's counsel," Raia said. "And both he and the governor seemed very receptive and aware of the situation and promised after the appointment of the new LIPA Chairman and the LIPA Board Member selection that he would work with the state Legislators, Huntington town officials and LIPA to find a reasonable solution to this problem."