My property evaluation just jumped 10.5%. The year before, it went up by 8%. As a person who is not planning to sell, I'm not happy about it. I'm not benefiting from the jump in real estate values in Amherst.
Taxes on individual parcels don't go up at the same rate as valuations it depends on how my condo's increase in value compares to the increase (or decrease) in value for other kinds of property. If condos go up in value compared to other kinds of property, my taxes go up; if not, they don't. Last year my taxes went up $426 a year: over 30%. Not encouraging for someone whose income hasn't grown in years but whose expenses have.
It's not just my problem. In 2002, the value of single-family houses in Amherst increased more than in any previous year: 18.8%. This year that quick upward growth has continued. Most of us couldn't afford to buy our homes at current prices.
What about renting? According to a study released last month, a full-tine worker in Massachusetts has to ear $22.40 an hour to pay for a two bedroom apartment. That's $46,592 a year. Most UMass employees don't make that much: the median salary for members of the union for "professional" staff is $45,540. The average pay for people in USA/MTA is less than $29,000 a year. Cities and towns in the region generally pay less to most of their employees.
There are many factors that contribute to the high cost of housing in Massachusetts in general and this region in particular. Land is expensive, particularly in the most desirable communities. Building materials are expensive. Zoning, health, and other regulations also raise the cost. In this region, at least, there seem to be plenty of people willing and able to pay ever- increasing prices for houses. Demand far exceeds supply for the higher end of the housing market, pushing everyone else down or out of the market. Families that previously bought small houses are now buying condominiums; people who previously could only afford a small condominium now can't afford anything.
These are serious problems and there are no easy answers. Anyone who has read my earlier columns knows that I'm in favor of regulations and protection of open space. We need federal, state and local programs to purchase development rights so farms stay farms, and land and easements so important habitat for the species with whom we share this planet can survive.
But we also need places for people to live. People who work here, especially. And while I share the feelings of dismay and anger that many people feel when they see the open woods or field near them torn up for construction, I remind myself that people have to live somewhere, and we've run out of "somewhere else." Given the price of land and construction, there is simply no way to build "affordable" housing as single-family houses on individual lots. Given the competition for housing, I doubt it is possible to sell and keep a dwelling affordable without significant subsidy and regulation.
There is relatively little that a town can do to provide affordable housing; there is more it can do (if it's willing to put some of its money into it) to protect open space. Amherst has done an exemplary job. Trying to balance these competing needs is one of the most difficult and often thankless jobs of government officials. People who have voted on controversial proposals any development in Amherst is controversial to someone - have made enemies: either the neighbors or the property owners, often both.
Paul Bobrowski is in that position because of his service on the Planning Board. He knows these issues and has sought to do the best for the community overall. He supports funding for the state's program to purchase development rights on farms (APR). He supports reform of the state's zoning and land use laws so that we can actually implement "smart growth" ideas. He has worked with other members of the Planning Board to improve Amherst's zoning bylaw governing cluster and other flexible forms of development.
As Amherst struggles to deal with rising housing costs and decreasing available land, we need leaders who thoroughly understand the issues. Being on the Planning Board provides a real education about the town and the varying needs of its residents, as well as an opportunity to work with people who have different perspectives and values. Paul has shown his ability to do that, and his thoughtfulness about the complicated issues of housing and preservation. That's why I am supporting Paul in his campaign for Select Board, despite having known one of the other candidates for 30 years. Paul understands this town and the roles of town government and town officials. I urge you to join me.