By Joyce Kryszak
Buffalo, NY – Several Western New York state lawmakers want to give a boost to downtown retail in upstate cities by creating a sales tax-free zone.
State Assemblyman Sam Hoyt will introduce a bill that would exempt the state sales tax on retail sales for businesses within the established zone for five years. Municipalities would be encouraged to exempt the local sales tax, as well.
County Executive Joel Giambra says now is time to capitalize on an influx of shoppers to the region.
The leaders pointed to the blight on Main street as evidence that bold steps are needed to reverse downtown decline.
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