"Kensington is one of the areas where properties have gone up 25%," said Laura Newlin, director of housing services at New Kensington Community Development Corporation. "The rest of the city it's 3 to 5 percent, but in Kensington and Kinsessing and Mantua they've gone up almost 25%."
At the Kensington Engagement Center on Thursday, employees from the Department of Revenue and the Office of Property Assessment met with residents who were surprised by increases in their property tax assessments. Some said the new valuations felt inconsistent.
"They keep charging us way more than similar properties that are in the area," said Vince Gelormini of Kensington. Later, he added, "We want to be charged like everyone else."
Councilmember Quetcy Lozada, who represents District 7, said residents should be aware of programs that can reduce their bills.
"Residents should know that there's options. There's Homestead where they can save people up to $1,400. There's LOOP that can save residents up to $1700," she said.
Lozada is organizing 10 roving workshops throughout the district to help homeowners navigate the reassessment process.
"It's important for folks to have the workshops right in the neighborhood rather than have folks have to go downtown," she said.
City officials noted that additional programs, including tax increase freezes for senior homeowners, may help offset higher bills.
The deadline for an informal appeal is September 1. A formal appeal must be filed by October 5.