Mamdani’s anti-growth policies have a local echo in Mirchandani

Dear Editor,

In New York City, Democratic Socialist Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani has made headlines by calling for the elimination of long-standing tax incentives for developers and institutions. He argues that programs like 421-a and other exemptions are "giveaways," but the result has been fewer projects moving forward and fewer affordable housing units being built. By stripping away economic tools that attract development, Mamdani risks stalling growth and driving investment out of the city.

Unfortunately, Jann Mirchandani is proposing the same approach here in Yorktown. She has repeatedly called our local business and development tax exemptions "overused giveaways," singling out programs like the 485-b exemption that have been instrumental in encouraging redevelopment and revitalization. Ending or weakening these incentives might sound like a populist slogan, but in practice it will make Yorktown less competitive with neighboring towns that continue to offer them.

The reality is clear: developers and small businesses have choices. If Yorktown shuts the door to economic incentives, investment will simply flow elsewhere. That means fewer new businesses, fewer local jobs, and ultimately a heavier tax burden on Yorktown families who are left to pick up the slack.

Just like Mamdani's proposals are stalling affordable housing in New York City, Mirchandani's policies would stall Yorktown's growth. We need leadership that understands how to balance accountability with competitiveness, not policies that push investment away.

-Michael Rambaran, Yorktown Resident