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New Haven tax committee moves to approve relief for long‑running nonprofit radio station pending assessor review
Summary
The Tax Committee reviewed a request from Radio Ambuana (Proudhon Inc.) over a lapse in city filings that led to loss of property tax‑exempt status. Members voted to approve relief in principle and discussed contingent forgiveness or a payment window pending provisional acceptance by the assessor.
The New Haven Tax Committee voted Nov. 25 to advance a request by Radio Ambuana (filed as Proudhon Inc.) seeking relief after a lapse in local tax‑exemption paperwork that led to a large property tax bill and interest.
Abraham Hernandez, appearing for the organization, and board president Ricky De Jesus told the committee the station has operated at 261 Portage Street since 1997 and has long provided services to the Hispanic community. "We've always been a 501c3," Richard de Asos said when asked about federal and state nonprofit recognition.
City staff told the committee the organization failed to file a required M‑3 form in 2021, which resulted in the city removing the property’s tax‑exempt status for the affected years and triggering assessments and interest. Don, a committee staff member, said the bill on the property includes both real property and a small personal‑property component and that foreclosure proceedings initiated earlier this year were put on hold while the matter was reviewed.
Committee members said they were sympathetic to the station's community role but pressed on administrative responsibility and mail delivery questions. One member noted a "significant" outstanding balance referenced in committee discussion (committee dialogue referenced amounts in the tens of thousands for combined years), while staff said the forgiveness practice historically depends on the assessor accepting a late M‑3 filing.
After discussion the committee moved and seconded a motion to approve relief consistent with the assessor’s provisional determination and to document an order for the tax office. The motion as recorded called for action consistent with assessor approval; the chair called the voice vote and members indicated approval.
The committee also debated payment‑plan alternatives, with staff noting the office can offer a 90‑day payment arrangement in some cases but that interest generally continues to accrue unless the board explicitly freezes or reduces it. Don summarized that if the assessor accepts the submitted M‑3, that acceptance would make the years in question tax‑exempt and the board could forgive back taxes; if not, the board could return the matter to committee.
Next steps: the committee’s action is contingent on the assessor’s provisional approval of the M‑3 filing. Staff said they would notify the organization by phone once the assessor issues a determination and the chair would communicate whether the board would act at the next meeting if needed.
