HomeMy WebLinkAboutACNVT letter to BOS re HRP-H 2794 finalADVISORY COMMITTEE OF NONVOTING TAXPAYERS
TOWN AND COUNTY BUILDING
NANTUCKET, MA 02554
Board of Selectmen July 29, 2017
Town Building
Nantucket, MA 02554
Recommendation in support of pending H. 2794
As we wrote last year (July 16, 2016), affordable housing for seasonal and
year round workers is of great concern to members of the ACNVT. The need
is clear. Its shortage not only impacts island workers and their employers but
also the maintenance of a well functioning, prospering community of
seasonal and year round residents.
In our mission to advise you on “issues of concern to nonresident
taxpayers,”
we are mindful of the high stakes those we represent have in our island
community. Roughly 8000 of the 11,000+ homes on Nantucket are owned
by summer residents. They tend to have values well above the average home
price of $2 million. The 0.5% real estate transfer fee proposed under H. 2794
would apply disproportionately to such properties.
Nonetheless we believe enactment of H. 2794 is vital to sustaining the
Nantucket economy and community.
We commend the many initiatives undertaken by the Town to address
affordable/workforce housing needs but recognize that a reliable revenue
stream is critical to success. The Housing Bank spelled out in H. 2794 is the
most promising answer to that need.
Upon motion made, seconded and passed, our Committee gives its support
to H. 2794 and recommends that every effort be given to ensure its passage.
Nantucket should always be known as a welcoming place unstinting in its
support of those adversely impacted by the high cost of housing.
Respectfully,
Justin Strauss
Chairman, ACNVT