Republican gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman has pledged to repeal New York City’s newly implemented pied-à-terre tax if elected, criticizing the measure as burdensome and detrimental to the city’s economy. The local tax targets expensive second homes valued over $5 million, with the aim of generating revenue for the city amid budgetary challenges.

Blakeman, the current Nassau County executive, voiced his opposition during an event in The Bronx, characterizing the tax as “oppressive” and “reckless.” He argued that the policy would accelerate the exodus of families and businesses from New York City, which already faces one of the highest local tax rates in the nation at 12.5 percent. “This reckless tax will drive even more families, jobs and investment out of our state, and middle-class New Yorkers will pay the price,” Blakeman stated, promising to eliminate the tax on his first day in office.

The pied-à-terre tax was enacted under Governor Kathy Hochul’s administration, a move aimed at supporting Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s budget following his election on a platform emphasizing taxation of wealthy property owners. Though Hochul resisted raising income and corporate taxes, she backed several initiatives to assist the mayor’s fiscal plan, including this tax on unoccupied secondary residences.

In response to the new tax, New York City’s Department of Finance published a list revealing non-primary residences valued above $1 million, including the names and addresses of owners. Blakeman criticized this disclosure, suggesting it unfairly targets property owners and exposes them to potential risks. “It publicly targets homeowners, puts them at risk of crime, assumes they’re guilty, and forces them to prove they don’t owe the government more money,” he said.

The city has also moved to expand its workforce to manage the implementation of this tax. Although exact costs were not disclosed, at least 25 new civil service positions have been recently posted by the Department of Finance, many of which appear focused on tax collection, real estate law, and exemptions. Salaries for these roles range from approximately $67,000 to $110,000 annually.

According to city officials, about 17,000 notices have been sent to homeowners potentially subject to the tax, sparking some disputes from recipients who claim they received the notices in error. Mayor Mamdani acknowledged the concerns but emphasized that property owners have until the end of August to appeal any assessments they contest. “I understand the concerns that some New Yorkers have... and I know that a new tax typically brings more questions than it does answers,” Mamdani said. “Right now, we are working around the clock across multiple city agencies to ensure that we are engaging with New Yorkers about how we are going to be delivering a tax on secondary homes worth more than $5 million.”