Well, I thought it wise to wait a few days before commenting on the LGBTQ Center Tax status. The few calls and personal comments I’ve gotten have been mixed, but nothing too animated.
The Hudson Valley LGBTQ Community Center has secured tax-exempt status for most of its Wall Street building, the two thirds that the organization operates out of. Only the third floor apartment will be taxed because it is a revenue source outside of the center functions.
Ginny Apuzzo, the president of the Board of Directors, and a friend of mine, was quoted in the Freeman stating: " This decision reaffirms two truths which we hold to be self-evident," She went on…"One: that an LGBTQ organization like the center deserves fair and equal treatment under the law, and two: that we will never, ever settle for anything less."
Brava Ginny! As an advocate for the Center and a former Board member, I have to say I am proud of the Board and the City of Kingston for coming to terms. The Center did have to file an Article 78 lawsuit in UC Supreme Court, which took negotiation ability away from city officials, but the court actions paved the way for other gay & lesbian 501(c ) 3 centers to manage this journey with less trouble.
This is an amazing triumph for all of us. You can’t place a dollar amount on all the good work the Center provides for the Hudson Valley. So, the tax exempt status is a non-issue.
Keep up the good work !
The Hudson Valley LGBTQ Community Center has secured tax-exempt status for most of its Wall Street building, the two thirds that the organization operates out of. Only the third floor apartment will be taxed because it is a revenue source outside of the center functions.
Ginny Apuzzo, the president of the Board of Directors, and a friend of mine, was quoted in the Freeman stating: " This decision reaffirms two truths which we hold to be self-evident," She went on…"One: that an LGBTQ organization like the center deserves fair and equal treatment under the law, and two: that we will never, ever settle for anything less."
Brava Ginny! As an advocate for the Center and a former Board member, I have to say I am proud of the Board and the City of Kingston for coming to terms. The Center did have to file an Article 78 lawsuit in UC Supreme Court, which took negotiation ability away from city officials, but the court actions paved the way for other gay & lesbian 501(c ) 3 centers to manage this journey with less trouble.
This is an amazing triumph for all of us. You can’t place a dollar amount on all the good work the Center provides for the Hudson Valley. So, the tax exempt status is a non-issue.
Keep up the good work !
2 comments:
Professional looking blog, good coverage of important issues...well done Mike! Congrats!
Terrie Rosenblum, Woodstock
Sounds like the center has an excellent speaker and some genuine supporters. I didn't miss the part about needing to take this higher than the city level --- and folks might want to keep this option in mind regarding some other issues that are afloat (ahem), as well.
Maybe the center would be willing to hold some kind of informational forum, for the public, that would educate others on how to go about such things? (Not necessarily in regard to tax exemption; but in regard to violations of human rights; the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, etc.)
Just a thought.
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