Rizzo Bill: No variances for deadbeats

Delinquent city taxpayers would be disqualified from seeking zoning variances under a bill slated for introduction in City Council this morning.

"With the city in dire need of funds, and owed over $1 billion, this will be yet another tool to recover monies owed to the city," Rizzo said.

Rizzo's chief of staff, Stewart Graham, said the bill had been vetted by the city law department to make sure it passes Constitutional muster. The bill would require anyone seeking a variance for their property to receive certification from the Revenue Department that all their taxes are paid up to date, or are subject to a payment agreement with the city.

A property owner could avoid this requirement by producing " evidence that denial of a variance would effect an unconstitutional taking of the property," according to the bill.

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