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Tax committee forgives vehicle and hardship debts for nonprofit and two residents
Summary
The New Haven Tax Payment Committee voted to forgive taxes and interest for EIR Urban Youth Boxing and two hardship cases after public testimony that highlighted paperwork errors, unemployment and a conservatorship. Decisions were voice votes; the committee said staff will follow up with account details.
The New Haven Tax Payment Committee voted to forgive taxes and interest for a small nonprofit’s inactive van and for two residents who demonstrated financial hardship.
Devon Kennedy, executive director of EIR Urban Youth Boxing, told the committee the nonprofit has served inner‑city kids for 16 years and that an out‑of‑service 2008 12‑passenger van generated roughly $2,000–$3,000 in personal‑property taxes and interest. "We've been serving inner city kids for 16 years," Kennedy said, describing the van as essential for transporting youth to tournaments. Members asked to see proof of the group's 501(c)(3) filing; staff noted some filings had been updated and discussed options including forgiving interest or providing a short payment window.
Elizabeth Santiago described losing work after a divorce and caring for an ill family member; she asked the committee to resolve several vehicle and property tax accounts and arrange payment. "I lost my job for 13 years… I've been taking care of my mom," Santiago said, explaining recent unemployment and reduced hours as a personal care assistant. After discussion, a motion to forgive all taxes and interest on Santiago’s item passed by voice vote.
Desiree Brown, who said she is conservator for her 82‑year‑old mother diagnosed with dementia, described an inoperable 2011 Hyundai Sonata and asked the committee to remove the related tax lien. Members noted court paperwork and the inoperable status of the vehicle; the committee voted to forgive the associated taxes and interest.
Committee members framed the decisions as hardship relief or technical fixes rather than broad policy changes; several members expressed concern about ensuring documentation for future cases. The panel closed public testimony before moving to deliberations and recorded the outcomes by voice votes. Staff said account details and next steps will be provided to petitioners and the committee.
The committee took no action on a longer, contested Riverfront Development LLC account at this meeting; that item was tabled for staff and legal review.
