Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
Val- it's only 90 acres of the farm (Woodmont) further north out of town along 122 and not the orchards directly around town, I believe there is another 180 or so at the same farm area owned by the town/leased to farmers for 25 year terms. It's a downer, but at least the neighboring property is owned by the town. Likewise apparently the town purchased another farm recently to keep it out of the hands of developers a few years back.
I've also heard there are some potential ideas in the works to restore the old farm buildings on the town property as a historic site for folks to visit and for activities. We'll see- some promising ideas for sure; the commitment to preserving the character of the town has been very beneficial so far both in regard to property values and enjoyment.
Trish,
Check out Brookline which shares its HS with Hollis and Mont Vernon which shares 7 - 12 with Amherst. Both are smaller, more rural, and have a lot of charm. Mont Vernon's center on the hill is awesome...
Thanks for clarifying, BF. We are also facing these same issues in Londonderry, with the orchard owners holding out the possibility of selling to developers. Some of Woodmont in Londonderry has already been parceled out, and negotiations are continuing regarding several other parcels owned by Mack's Orchards. These orchards are not in our town center either, but we would still rather not see them becoming developemnts, McMansion or otherwise. Million dollar easements seem to be the key in keeping the orchards from becoming house lots, unfortunately this results in higher taxes... How is Hollis doing with the "workforce housing" issue that is affecting towns all across our state?
Quote:
Originally Posted by BF66389
Val- it's only 90 acres of the farm (Woodmont) further north out of town along 122 and not the orchards directly around town, I believe there is another 180 or so at the same farm area owned by the town/leased to farmers for 25 year terms. It's a downer, but at least the neighboring property is owned by the town. Likewise apparently the town purchased another farm recently to keep it out of the hands of developers a few years back.
How is Hollis doing with the "workforce housing" issue that is affecting towns all across our state?
According to Mum, they passed it. They believed that bill of goods someone sold to the state about it being affordable housing for people who work for the town (rather than, say, give a tax credit for someone who works for the town)
How is Hollis doing with the "workforce housing" issue that is affecting towns all across our state?
Since it became a requirement shortly before the last town meeting (or they were aware of it then at least, I forget which) we voted on where to locate it then. I forget what area of the town was designated exactly and I can't pull it up right now to look, but at the time I remember thinking that where it was located was the best option. Since this wasn't something we could avoid, I'm glad it was addressed proactively so that it has the most minimal impact on the town.
According to Mum, they passed it. They believed that bill of goods someone sold to the state about it being affordable housing for people who work for the town (rather than, say, give a tax credit for someone who works for the town)
It wasn't a matter of passing it or not. Towns were told to designate an area for it. The vote was to approve the designated area. Towns that delay can get into real trouble because then I think the state will "help" them designate an area...
Since this wasn't something we could avoid, I'm glad it was addressed proactively so that it has the most minimal impact on the town.
Unfortunately, probably the only option would have been to fight the state's authority to tell a town what they must do with their own zoning laws. The state's never had that authority before that I've heard of... and in general, one only has the authority that one is allowed to have.
Million dollar easements seem to be the key in keeping the orchards from becoming house lots, unfortunately this results in higher taxes...
True, but within reason it also helps feed a cycle resulting in higher property values, better schools, lower crime, and an overall higher quality of life.
Unfortunately, probably the only option would have been to fight the state's authority to tell a town what they must do with their own zoning laws. The state's never had that authority before that I've heard of... and in general, one only has the authority that one is allowed to have.
Isn't it expected that this will become a state vs. town issue each time a builder buys property for such housing? It will probably play out one conflict after the next, in towns all over the state. How many towns have the $ to fight it when push comes to shove? There is NO appropriate property for 'workforce housing' in NH unless we want to see our traditional small towns throughout the state become more urban. I am willing to pay higher property taxes to prevent that from happening, but it seems the state is shoving socialism down our throats.
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
