The exemptions are available under a state law that gives school boards the discretion to offer them. Eligible property owners can qualify for one or more related breaks, which include one for people serving in the military during war time, those who did so and also were in combat and those who became disabled in their service.
Parents of service members killed are referred to in the legislation as Gold Star parents.
The board also approved extending the exemptions to owners of shares in housing co-operatives.
School Board President Marjorie Schiff recalled the public feedback that the district sought at a hearing and in a survey, video of the meeting show.
At the meeting, Schiff noted that approximately 140 people participated in the survey and that about 70 percent supported granting an exemption. Most of those in favor, Schiff added, did not stand to personally benefit from it.
The news was welcomed by Lewisboro Supervisor Peter Parsons, who mentioned it at the Town Board's March 23 meeting.
“This is a good thing,” he said.
Parsons thanked his board colleague, Councilman Frank Kelly, for his support in the matter, along with former state Assemblyman Robert Castelli, a Goldens Bridge resident and Vietnam War veteran.
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