Oppose Statewide Property Taxes and State Control of Zoning

Homes over $300,000 and maybe even up to $500,000 are fixer uppers.that threshold is too low!

Taking away the authority to govern zoning locally is an awful idea. There are a number of reasons not to pass this, not the least of which is the rash of lawsuits that will tie this up for years.

Overlybroad taxation. Good reason to move to a state that can manage its financial affairs.

As the former Vice-Chair of the Town of Greenwich Budget Oversight Committee and a Greenwich, CT resident for over thirty years, I strongly oppose SB 171, "An act establishing a state-wide tax on real property" and associated restrictions on what town and communities cannot and have to do. CT already has suffered an exodus of residential property owners, corporations and high-paying jobs to tax friendly states. This has dramatically hurt our real estate values over the years. Some may suggest that the recent 2020/2021 increase in residential property sales marks a turnaround of this situation. But they would be wrong. The bump in sales is temporary and driven by folks leaving NYC for the suburbs due to Covid-related fears and should not be confused otherwise. A statewide property tax, along with restrictions that infringe upon the rights of property owners and towns will negatively impact the desirability of our communities rendering them less attractive and drive further exodus from CT to more tax friendly states. This, in turn, will reduce tax receipts and worsen the State's economy. The CT State Legislature needs to address the fundamental issues it has created over years of poor fiscal management rather than hurting towns and communities with ill-thought plans that will aesthetically and economically destroy communities. Sincerely, Robert V. Lardon, Greenwich, CT

How is my 2BR condo in Fairfield County that is worth more than $300k, a "mansion" in any sense of the word? Like you, I oppose both of these bills.

These are draconian bills created against middle class of Connecticut. I am very disappointed in our Senate. $300,000 can only get you a one bedroom apartment in Stamford, since when a two bedroom is considered a mansion?

This will precipitate the exit of families who comprise a significant portion of the taxpayer base from CT. Many are leaving as it is and this will be the final straw.

Local government authorities should maintain control of local zoning policy and such control should not be managed by resources that can't honestly represent the needs of all local communities. As for state-wide taxes on property values over $300,000 you basically will be taxing all homeowners in our state. The number is ridiculously low given the cost of real-estate. Long term I fear the impact such a plan has on families considering to call CT home.

I am totally against this bill SB 171. It is taking away local control and will destroy our state, and fuel the continued exodus of wealth to states with more friendly tax environments like Florida. This will ultimately decrease the total tax base in CT.

Fully endorse your opposition to what amounts to a state take over of local government

I am strongly opposed to SB 171 and SB 1024.

I am totally against this bill SB 171.. I think it is unfair to the people in Greenwich

Perhaps our government officials could cut spending.

I oppose new property taxes and state-controlled zoning laws.

The misnamed "Mansion Tax" is really a tax on the majority of homes in Connecticut. Many who live in such homes have seen their assessed value rise while their own incomes not. Some such are retired, living on a fixed income. As Jefferson said, "The power to tax is the power to destroy," and this proposed tax will further destroy the state economy and many people in it.

The misnamed "Mansion Tax" is really a tax on the majority of homes in Connecticut. Many who live in such homes have seen their assessed value rise while their own incomes not. Some such are retired, living on a fixed income. As Jefferson said, "The power to tax is the power to destroy," and this proposed tax will further destroy the state economy and many people in it.

I oppose new property taxes and state controlled zoning laws.

This is unacceptable state overreach in local matters.

Sb 171 is not a “mansion tax”. Most properties in ct assess at over $300,000. This will affect a majority of the house sales. Sb 1024 is designed to ruin small towns. If you want to live in a city, you have that choice. Making small towns into large overcrowded towns is not the answer. As Joni Mitchell sang, They paved paradise to put up a parking lot!

NO to the proposed Bills