Syracuse board hears appeals on property assessments, schedules inspections and rechecks

The Syracuse City Board of Assessment Review held hearings Tuesday, Feb. 11, on appeals from multiple property owners contesting recent assessment increases, and directed follow-up inspections and data checks in several cases.

Petitioner Gary S. Nastasi asked the board to keep the assessed value of a 4.33‑acre vacant lot at 142 Lafayette Road at its previous level while sewer capacity constraints prevent development that would realize the lot’s R‑4 zoning. Nastasi told the board he has received several purchase offers and that the lot is listed for $235,000, but said developers have withdrawn deposits after learning the sewer “cannot take the extra pressure” now. He told the board, “I don't think it's fair to pay the property tax increase until such time the property can be used for what it is zoned for.” City staff (Michael Layman) said the city’s neighborhood revaluation found a tentative assessed…