Mike McAndrew of the Post-Standard writes today - “A state panel voted Tuesday to boot 93 businesses from New York’s Empire Zone tax break program despite reluctance from political appointees to take a stand.

The state’s Empire Zone Designation Board denied for the first time appeals from businesses trying to remain eligible for the tax breaks.

The Wilmorite Group’s Mall at Greece Ridge in Rochester will lose about $3.1 million per year in tax credits as a result of the vote.
Thomas Wilmot, chairman of The Wilmorite Group, said his firm may not be able to proceed with a planned $35 million renovation of Greece Ridge Mall if it loses its Empire Zone benefits…

Ken Pokalsky, policy analyst of the Business Council of New York State, also criticized the decision to boot 93 businesses from the program.

“It strikes us as a terrible policy,” Pokalsky said.

The EZDB has not ruled on appeals filed by 294 businesses. Still pending are appeals from several Central New York businesses with millions at stake.

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