Comedian's 'Pied-à-terre' Tax Avoidance Website Gains Serious Traction in New York
Comedian Madison Walser launched Aura Investments, a website initially conceived as a satirical response to New York's proposed pied-à-terre tax on luxury second homes. The site humorously suggested that artists could live in these vacant properties, allowing homeowners to avoid the tax while gaining 'aura' points. Despite its jocular origin, the website has garnered significant serious interest, receiving nearly 4,000 submissions from artists seeking housing and 25 property submissions from homeowners, with eight or nine deemed legitimate after initial checks. Walser, who has a background in software development and used AI coding tools to create the site, is now exploring the possibility of making Aura Investments a legitimate venture. She is seeking legal counsel and considering bringing on a co-founder to address the complexities of legal and safety aspects, including background checks for both parties and ensuring artists have tenant rights through formal lease agreements. The city has issued a warnin... 
