North Yarmouth residents are upset. They approved a Comprehensive Plan and Land Use Ordinance amendments to protect our rural character. They see intense development instead. In the last three years, 131 new house permits have been issued. Instead of analyzing what is driving this activity and determining residents’ support, some of our municipal leaders are encouraging more of the same.

Nearly 400 residents signed a referendum petition to place a cap on the currently unlimited number of building permits allowed in the Village District each year. Residents realize that rapid growth strains the ability of the town facilities and taxpayers to support it.

We need new water mains and a larger storage tank. We need more parks, sidewalks and more. What we really need are businesses that pay taxes and require fewer services, but our infrastructure does not support that. Instead, we build houses.

More houses mean more students. That is not a bad thing. However, the property taxes paid by most new homes built in the Village District can’t be used to support the increased school costs because the town designated them a TIF (tax increment financing) district. Taxes from TIF properties can only pay for municipal needs in the TIF district. The education bill must be paid by other homeowners. Student growth requires an additional school. That may increase your property tax bill by over 15%.

Our priority should be developing a long-term plan to deal with infrastructure and affordable taxes. We need to be proactive and not reactive, which is what happens when you deal with 131 new houses. Slowing growth will give us time to create and adopt that strategic plan.

The North Yarmouth residents’ petition for a building cap will be voted on March 15. Absentee ballots are available now at Town Office. Please vote YES for a building cap!

Lincoln Merrill
North Yarmouth