Post by Shadow on Nov 1, 2005 13:48:50 GMT -5
Breitbart
By KATHARINE WEBSTER
Associated Press Writer
ORFORD, N.H.
The one-room cabin David Bischoff built in a cow pasture three years ago has no electricity, no running water, no phone service and no driveway. What it does have is a wide-open view of nearby hills and distant mountains _ which makes it seven times more valuable than if it had no view, according to the latest townwide property assessment. He expects his property taxes to shoot up accordingly.
Bischoff and other Orford residents bitterly call that a "view tax," and they are leading a revolt against it that has gained support in many rural towns in New Hampshire.
State officials say there is no such thing as a "view tax" _ it is a "view factor," and it has always been a part of property assessments. The only change is that views have become so valuable in some towns that assessors are giving them a separate line on appraisal records.
The change has stirred passions in Orford, a town of 1,040 that overlooks the Connecticut River and has views of neighboring Vermont and the White Mountains.
One big reason the reassessment has alarmed townspeople in Orford and beyond is that housing prices _ and consequently property taxes _ are shooting up in New England because of an influx of vacation-home buyers and retirees willing to pay top dollar for beautiful views.
By KATHARINE WEBSTER
Associated Press Writer
ORFORD, N.H.
The one-room cabin David Bischoff built in a cow pasture three years ago has no electricity, no running water, no phone service and no driveway. What it does have is a wide-open view of nearby hills and distant mountains _ which makes it seven times more valuable than if it had no view, according to the latest townwide property assessment. He expects his property taxes to shoot up accordingly.
Bischoff and other Orford residents bitterly call that a "view tax," and they are leading a revolt against it that has gained support in many rural towns in New Hampshire.
State officials say there is no such thing as a "view tax" _ it is a "view factor," and it has always been a part of property assessments. The only change is that views have become so valuable in some towns that assessors are giving them a separate line on appraisal records.
The change has stirred passions in Orford, a town of 1,040 that overlooks the Connecticut River and has views of neighboring Vermont and the White Mountains.
One big reason the reassessment has alarmed townspeople in Orford and beyond is that housing prices _ and consequently property taxes _ are shooting up in New England because of an influx of vacation-home buyers and retirees willing to pay top dollar for beautiful views.