[Adopted 1-27-2016 by L.L. No. 1-2016]
The Town Board of the Town of Cochecton, pursuant to Subdivision 7 of § 458-a of the New York State Real Property Tax Law (RPTL), authorizes a partial exemption from property taxes on qualifying residential real property for Gold Star Parents within the definitions of "qualified owner" and "qualifying residential real property" as defined in § 458-1(1) of the RTPL for purposes of the veterans' alternative exemption.
The term "Gold Star Parent," when referenced in this article, shall mean the parent of a child who died in the line of duty while serving in the United States Armed Forces during a period of war.
Pursuant to § 458-a of the Real Property Tax Law, the Town of Cochecton is authorized to adopt a local law establishing a partial exemption from the Town portion of real property taxes for Gold Star Parents who fit within the definition of "qualified owner" who own qualified residential real property within the Town of Cochecton. It is the desire of the Town Board of the Town of Cochecton to provide for such exemption on Town of Cochecton properties to reward Gold Star Parents for their child's valued service to our country.
A. 
"Gold Star Parent" is hereby included within the definition of "qualified owner" as provided in Paragraph (c) of Subdivision 1 of § 458-a of the Real Property Tax Law, and property owned by a Gold Star Parent is hereby included within the definition of "qualifying residential real property" as provided in Paragraph (d) of Subdivision 1 of § 458-a of the Real Property Tax Law, provided that such property shall be the primary residence of the Gold Star Parent.
B. 
The additional exemption provided for in Paragraph (c) of Subdivision 2 of § 458-a of the Real Property Tax Law shall not apply to real property owned by a Gold Star Parent.
The amount of the exemption for a Gold Star Parent on his/her primary residence shall be equivalent to the maximum veteran's exemption as defined in Article VI of this chapter.
This exemption shall remain so long as it is authorized by the State of New York and the County of Sullivan.