Dear Billy T and Somerville Speakup Line,
I’m not a happy camper…..
Bubba
Email from From: Robert Ciampi
Date: Wed, Feb 21, 2018 at 4:00 PM
Subject: Property Transfer Tax
Sent To: Somerville Board of Aldermen
boardofaldermen@somervillema.gov
Dear BOA,
Most of y’all I know and some I do not. I just wanted to express my displeasure about this new “TAX” y’all are putting on the lifelong Somerville homeowners. This Administration has been trying to squeeze the life out of us that remain in the City since this Administration lost its battle with Mr. Wynn over the proposed building of the Casino in Everett due to the high impact of pollution forecasted for the City. This is totally unacceptable. These funds, if it was approved, would have helped the new price tag of the High School and Greenline Extension, However, it was not approved. Now this Administration needs to fund all these projects and need the Citizens to foot the bill.
Before, you all agreed with this Administration to erect a new High School, Extend the Greenline and several other important projects that need to be done but never thought of a feasible way without throwing this burden on the Citizens of the City. In the past, y’all tried to pass Prop 2 ½ and it failed. Now the only way this Administration can get what they want is to throw another new found way to extract the life out of us.
When is enough “ENOUGH”?
Are all dwellings in the City being subjected to this new “TAX” including Condos, Townhouses, Single and Multi Dwellings? Why!!!
How much money in taxes, as well as revenue for the City, has just Assembly Row produced? Where are all the funds being applied? Certainly not to our deplorable streets in the City. Certainly not to all the infrastructure in the City. Certainly not to adding Police or Fireman to the City ranks. Instead, this Administration shuts down a Firehouse and expects us to be OK with that. I’m not! Engine 7 is my area and I hope the additional wait time for a response from our finest, does not jeopardize any homes or lives. Instead it’s being applied to new and updated vehicles for DPW almost every 3 years.
Yes, the BOA and all City workers that own or live in the City are in this “TAX BOAT”. Yes, our Renters get hit hard with a rent increase and many will not stay. Please re-think this new “TAX” and find alternative ways in acquiring the funds to move forward with all the projects associated with this Administration.
Sincerely,
Bob Ciampi
81 Hudson Street
Somerville, MA 02143-1112