In lieu of, or in tandem with, housing development, why don’t lawmakers consider demand-side solutions? An extra property tax for second-home properties and seasonal rentals could be introduced. Ideally, this would drive some seasonal homeowners and real estate investors to sell.
This could increase housing supply while decreasing the need for the ugly suburban developments that spoil most places in America – and are popping up all over the Maine. Additionally, extra tax funds could be used to augment municipal budgets, so property taxes for normal working people don’t have to go up.
Tim D’Angelo
Pittston
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