DALTON: Reasons for recall

While I live blocks away from the Streeter development of pasture property in Dalton, I’m very concerned about our city officials’ refusal to enforce well-established zoning ordinances.

In a recent mailer, Mayor Roberge’s sole argument in support of this unprecedented action is the fact that the Streeter family has paid property taxes on these parcels for more than 40 years. This argument seems flawed. The legality of subdivisions, and whether a home can be built on a parcel, is within the city’s jurisdiction. The county assessor merely assesses property taxes with reference to city ordinances and market value.

What the mayor failed to disclose is the fact that the most recent assessed value for these pasture properties was $21,420, in contrast to $160,000 for the vacant acre with street frontage. When asked about this disparity, the tax assessor’s office said the pasture properties are assessed at much lower values because they are “non-buildable” lots, according to Dalton ordinances. Mayor Roberge is very well aware of this fact, but has decided for some reason not to tell the whole story. To learn more about why the recall is critical to our city, visit savedalton.com.

STAN SMITH

Dalton Gardens