TROY — The real estate holding company controlled by city Councilwoman Emily Menn, who is running in this month’s Democratic primary for council president, owes more than $215,000 in unpaid property taxes, according to city records.
A review of the city’s tax bills for Devil’s Hole Ranch Properties LLC shows that Menn’s firm, in which she is managing partner, has not paid property taxes for four properties with 53 apartments and a vacant parcel on First and Washington streets.
The total unpaid tax bills including fees and interest are for four rental properties and one vacant lot, according to the city records obtained by the Times Union under a Freedom of Information request filed with the city government. The amount for each property according to tax bill reports as of May 18:
• 137 First St., $13,668
• 161 Washington St., $45,789
• 168 First St., $434.68
• 28-38 First St. $126,299
• 122 First St., $29,536
In response to written questions, Menn said this week that, “In talking to hundreds of people throughout my campaign, I know that I am not alone in still struggling financially after the pandemic.”
“Like many Trojans, COVID hit my family business hard, and I lost hundreds of thousands of dollars I won’t get back. My team has a plan in place that will put us in the black with taxes paid by the end of the year,” Menn said.
Menn is running in the Democratic primary for council president against Councilwoman Sue Steele of the 3rd District. Steele is the candidate endorsed by the Troy City Democratic Committee, which rejected Menn. Menn currently represents the 4th District, which both Democrats and Republicans consider the safest seat on the seven-member council, as it is considered a solid Democratic district.
While Steele has long ties to the city and Rensselaer County…
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