‘The litmus test for our vote'

To the editor: I am writing in response to your article concerning the development of the Stanford and Luft farm properties. As a long time resident of the area I trust you will understand the great disappointment I feel in learning that two new subdivisions, totally 77 homes, will be built in our area. I fully understand that an owner has the right to dispose of their property according to their own interest. That said, it should be noted that it is only a “windfall” to the owners that these once working farms have appreciated as they have. It goes without saying that the developer as well stand to make very substantial profits. I also understand that every year’s increase in town and school taxes arises from the new subdivisions as “growth” has always been cited as the compelling reason. It is also evident in today’s real estate market that existing homes currently, or prospectively, listed for sale will be negatively effected by the additional inventory being added. There is, however, an obvious means to reconcile the winners and losers. Simply stated, let the individuals or companies who profit from the development shelter their neighbors from the increased costs and depreciated values that are the result of their business activity. I leave it to the town’s planning board to effect this concept into law. Perhaps a very substantial revision to the proposed transfer tax ought to be considered. At the end of the day the current residents need not be passive to the undesirable changes and increased costs that the development brings. With the election approaching we should make this issue the litmus test for our vote. Albert Capobianco Warwick