Whose special interest?

To the editor: It has amazed me to see in the local papers some letters opposing the Community Preservation Act and the Real Estate Transfer tax. How could anyone, who really knew what these measures were about, oppose them? The CPF and Real Estate Transfer Tax set in place a mechanism to preserve open space and protect Warwick’s rural quality. They do this without adding one more cent to our property tax bills. And they promise to control our taxes, as preserved land does not increase demand on our schools, nor does it put more cars on our roads, deplete or pollute our water, or lower our air quality. Opposing a measure like this is like opposing motherhood and apple pie. But some do oppose it, apparently, and, worse, they do so by spreading falsehoods, such as suggesting this is another tax — which it isn’t. They also have called supporters of the attempt to preserve Warwick a “special interest” group. Special interest? The Smart Growth Alliance, which supports the measure, is made up of conservatives and liberals, young people and senior citizens, newcomers and long-timers, Republicans and Democrats, and farmers, workers, professionals, businesspeople, and, yes, even realtors and developers. They live in Amity, Pine Island, Florida, Greenwood Lake, the Village of Warwick and throughout the town. These people have given freely of their time and energy to inform the voters on Nov. 7 of the important issue at stake. We will not get a second chance at this, folks. A “No” vote on Nov. 7 will lead to evermore indiscriminate building and increased taxes, as well as reduced resources, particularly water, and a diminished quality of life for all Warwick residents. The voices raised in opposition, by contrast, seem to be the real special interest: A narrow group of realtors and would-be developers of Warwick. And should they mount any kind of campaign, it will be paid for with outsiders’ money. Why? Because the New York realtors association and large outside developers do not want an initiative like this to catch on; they fear for their commissions and the possibility that they may have to put a little more energy into doing their jobs. In fact, and this has been demonstrated in other communities, the real estate transfer tax, makes these houses more desirable as new buyers appreciate that one they have purchased their home, its value will not be reduced by subsequent overdevelopment in the neighborhood. In essence, these outsiders want to get rich off us — and to raise our taxes to subsidize their developments. It would be extremely wrong to stigmatize all realtors or even all developers. They are often people who care greatly for the community they serve and also live in; they are also people smart enough to know that preserving Warwick’s character not only benefits all of its citizens, but also keeps property values here strong. Thus, many support the Community Preservation Act and the Real Estate Transfer tax ballot initiative in November. If you come across anyone who opposes the real estate transfer tax, ask them exactly why. I guarantee that you will not receive logical or sensible answers. Remember, we have lost a lot of our rural character and farms already. We can’t save these now but we can save what we have left. Please join those who care for the Town of Warwick’s future by voting “yes” on Nov. 7. Patricia Lurye Warwick