Updated comparisons of 22 New York counties on various measures of fiscal discipline.
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A ranking of 22 New York counties on key measures of taxation and spending.
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Where does your town stand in raising (or in one case lowering) property taxes over the past three years?
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Rankings of 28 towns in Columbia and Dutchess based on key measures of fiscal performance.
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Rankings of 27 Towns in Columbia and northern Dutchess Counties.
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If your town has been spending substantially less than the average of 27 towns in our region on road-related investments, you could be in for a jolt to your property tax bill. Click here to see where your town ranks.
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Rankings by tax costs and spending measures of ten small Hudson Valley villages.
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A comprehensive study of the impact of Wal-Mart's entry into rural Iowa, which concludes that "84% of all sales at the new Wal-Mart stores came from existing businesses within the counties."
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The state of Maine, concerned that big-box retail centers are raising property taxes and sapping local businesses, could soon require an independent analysis of the economic impact of super-sized stores. From www.NewRules.org care of LTV reader Moisha Blechman of Taghkanic.
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Higher crime rates and demands for more police protection followed a new Wal-Mart Supercenter into this once-placid Albany suburb.
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A nationwide survey of the types of crime and the costs of police services required by large Wal-Mart stores.
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A respected consultant's study for the town of Barnstable, MA, of the costs of providing various public services to a large retail center. A shocker: costs far outstrip revenues.
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A summary of findings about a major shopping center's impact on jobs, tax revenues and other economic benefits in town of Leominster, MA. Courtesy of Kinderhook Neighbors for Good Growth, while we try to locate the original study.
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An analysis of national chain store contributions to the economy of coastal Maine, and why promoting local businesses instead makes much more sense.
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The whys and wherefores of big-box retail developments under scrutiny to defend the local economy of this small New England city.
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A few recent studies on how big a bite the big-box retailers take out of local business sales.
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A stern opinion from The Independent's Editor Parry Teasdale.
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Zoning Restrictions May Increase Property Values, My Letter Argues
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A report from the New Jersey Times on a town that spent $11.5 million to buy an open tract of land rather than burden residents with the much higher property taxes that would result from a proposed development on the parcel. Care of LTV reader Jock Spivy of Kinderhook.
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A thoughtful opinion on property rights from LTV Member Sam Pratt, former head of Friends of Hudson.
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A recent New York Times article suggests that Douglas Durst will be hard-pressed to deliver the upscale glory resort he envisions in Pine Plains.
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The other member of the Durst "family."
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Green or "Greenwash"?
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A thought-provoking column from the New York Times that highlights the urgency and complexities of affordable housing.
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A very enlightening study of solutions to the affordable housing crisis by the Citizens Housing and Planning Council.
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Prepared for a citizens' group in Millbrook, NY, this study quantifies the large property tax increases likely to result from the proposed 100-lot subdivision on the former Bennett College campus.

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A wealth of information on successful efforts to link land conservation with affordable housing, two top community priorities which "have rarely seen the common ground they might occupy." Forwarded by LTV member and former Columbia Land Conservancy Director Judy Anderson.
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A compelling example of the growing evidence that restrictive zoning does not reduce land values and is not, therefore, a confiscation of private property rights. Contributed to LTV by reader and Tivoli Village Mayor Marc Molinaro.
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Further evidence that 25-50 acre zoning, so often viewed as "restrictive" or "confiscatory," does not reduce real estate values for land owners who sell their property. Courtesy of Washington County, NY, member Tracy Frisch.
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Should second-home owners subsidize the rest of our property taxes? As Albany looks to reform our tax system, they'll be looking at this legacy of two-tiered taxation in Florida. From the Wall Street Journal, via Pine Plains resident Jane Waters.
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High on presumed Governor Spitzer's priority list will be reforming the current property tax-based system of financing New York's public schools. This study, prompted by similar urgency in New Jersey, contains some provocative examples of the issues the NY legislature will be debating in 2007. It's worth a read.
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If you want to dig deeper into the link between residential development and rising property taxes, this is a great place to start. Penned by The LA Group out of Saratoga in 2000.
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Developers in south Florida are required to pay up to $10,000 per new house to help cover the cost of providing school services to new residents. Courtesy of LTV Member and Stanfordville resident Elaine Dobie.

Some impact fees in Florida run as high as $25,000 per new house. For more on impact fees see "Making An Impact.")

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This report on a fascinating demographic study highlights the financial value of preserving open space, casts further doubts on the viablility of golf-oriented planning schemes, and suggests an investment opportunity in fitness clubs. Courtesy of LTV Member Susan Crossley.
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Want to buy a new house on an old farm, complete with fresh produce, and never lift a hoe? Read on. Courtesy of LTV Member Paul Spencer.
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Preservationists are asking Albany to pitch in and help fund restoration of historic buildings. Courtesy of LTV Member Alexia Lalli.
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And you thought New York's property assessments were outrageous? Look across the the state line...
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If you own or rent a second home in the Hudson Valley, register to vote here and make a big difference in this fall's local elections. It's easy-- just print and fill out the enclosed registration form.
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Everything you ever wanted to know about re-registering, but didn't know who to ask.
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The experts on the natural environment of the river and its surroundings. "Nonpartisan and non-ideological, Hudsonia serves as a neutral voice in the challenging process of land use decision making.

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An excellent resource and community website for opponents of a major golf course and housing development proposed in the nearby towns of Norfolk and Canaan, Connecticut.
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A great educational reference on land use, conservation and other planning issues.
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A pioneering government body created to promote and finance open space and affordable housing initiatives.
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