Readers debate PILOT program from Valley Hospital
Since most large area hospitals like HUMC participate in a PILOT program with their respective municipality , some readers think its time for Valley to kick in and other think Valley already does plenty for the community .
“Do you have any idea how many people approach Valley in a year seeking donations? 99% of them are worthwhile and important causes. But, they are a “non-profit business”, not a charity. They “donate” millions of dollars a year in free services or actual donations. However, I am sure they try to have the greatest impact with every dollar spent. While it would have been wonderful to help one girl in need and you make Valley sound heartless, if your narrative is accurate, I have no doubt that Valley must take a broader “community” view when deciding where to allocate its dollars and free services.”
“The obvious issue is that valley doesn’t pay taxes to maintain the infrastructure. If valley expands ( don’t give me this renovation BS.) The hospital will service more patients which will in turn use the infrastructure more: ( Infrastructure to include police and fire service ) . This does not come with out cost, of which valley does not pay. This has nothing to do with demonization of valley but it raises a legitimate concern of all the tax payers not just the ones in valleys back yard.”
“Valley does pay taxes for the homes they own through their foundation and also for the doctor offices through VAlley health care. They do not pay taxes for the hospital. They pay for their water and sewer.”
“Yes but they don’t pay a cent for the hospital and one can only wonder how much that would be taxed if it was mot a “non profit” (lol) and how that would help the village in comparison to the small donations that valley gives to “look good”
Valley should pay , they use the most Village resources by far , including police services
I believe #1 is wrong about who or what uses the most services in the village, what about schools or even churches!
Why should Valley enter into a pilot program with the Village when they can dole out money to their special interest groups to buy good will.
# 2 Valley is open 24/7 all year round. Schools, churches and synagogue are not. Valley is High Maintenance. Remember the majority of the users are not residents unlike people who worship and attend schools in town.
For the record, I oppose the Valley expansion. However, if Valley were to make a compelling financial proposal to the Village that would have a real impact on REDUCING residents’ property taxes and upgrading infrastructure to accommodate its own expansion AND all of the apartment complexes the mayor and his team want to build, we would all have to consider it.
I am realistic about Valley’s ability to expand. They have deep pockets (especially for a non profit that pays no taxes) and enough influence to get their proposed expansion past a sympathetic Planning Board and Council. Ultimately they are going to get most of what they want.
I would only hope that our Mayor has enough backbone to stand up to Valley and make them pay not only their fair share, but enough reduce the tax burden on his constituents. No one knows better than our Mr. Aronsohn that money talks – let’s just hope he shares the wealth.
#2 schools and most churches in town seem to have something going on six to seven days per week from what i can see and participate in,so you argument does not hold water.
The fire department should just park their trucks there permanently they are there so often. We could close down a fire house to save money!