TANY is comprised of 78 neighborhood organizations representing several hundred thousand people in the five boroughs. Citywide real estate trade organizations, homeowner and block associations, merchants groups and civic organizations all come together under the TANY banner.

"People were not happy that they didn't have say in the process," says Steve Spinola, president of the Real Estate Board of New York, a member of TANY. "The public should have a voice in decisions that affect them. The Fair and Open Tax Act ensures that people who pay taxes will have a chance to express their opinions before a measure is passed. This is not a vote against tax increases, but instead, is a vote in favor of traditional democracy and proper representation for the people."

"It's a worthwhile endeavor," notes Michael Skomsky, deputy executive director/direction of legislation at BOMA NY. "It's important for the commerical real estate industry to represent a united front."