Port Chester group protests possible tax breaks amid firefighter cuts

Protesters in Port Chester say they want guarantees that if there's not enough money to pay firefighters, there won't be big tax breaks for corporations who want to build in the area. Village leaders

News 12 Staff

May 25, 2016, 6:43 AM

Updated 3,113 days ago

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Protesters in Port Chester say they want guarantees that if there's not enough money to pay firefighters, there won't be big tax breaks for corporations who want to build in the area.
Village leaders chose to fire all eight firefighters and hire volunteers last month to save money. 
Inside the packed village senior center in Port Chester, residents gathered to hear the latest about a proposed Starwood project to create apartments and office space at the former site of the United Hospital. Members of Sustainable Port Chester Alliance rallied before the meeting, wanting to ensure that Starwood will pay its fair share if it receives big tax cuts from the village.
"If Starwood wants Port Chester to give it millions in tax breaks and a lucrative rezoning, then the company needs to come to the table and negotiate a community benefits agreement," said Joan Grangenois-Thomas, organizer of Sustainable Port Chester.