Assessment going up for many city homes: Owners can expect increase in tax bills.

(From McClatchy-Tribune Regional News - The Buffalo News - New York)

Byline: Brian Meyer

Twice as many city property owners are facing higher assessed values on their homes when compared to a year ago, and it could mean increases in tax bills for thousands of people.

Assessors said the reason for the higher values is that Buffalo didn't experience the real estate bust that socked many other regions.

Buffalo officials released assessment data Friday indicating that nearly 14,400 homes and 320 businesses are tentatively set to have their assessments increased. By comparison, a year ago 7,065 properties received notices that their assessed values would go up and two years ago, about 9,400 properties saw increases.

This year's reassessment ritual reviewed 35,000 properties, compared with 24,000 reviews in …