Charles Smith Jr | Oppose SB564

I find this bill to micro-manage small rural municipalities like Orford. Orford is approximately 10 miles x 10 miles with very few monetary resources and a limited fire and rescue volunteer team. Roughly 25% of the roads are class VI roads and very few owners abutting a class VI road, build on their property knowing the town does NOT maintain this road and does not provide emergency support, although we have tried when possible. By passing this law, it is making it is easier for the owner to be set up for loss, with more strain on the municipality. I think I understand the reasoning behind this bill to create more housing and lessen the burden of the very few tax payers, which I have been advocating in my one year as selectman, but this is not the way. The way I have approached this was to give a more incentive break for current use land holders, to bring a lot or lots out of current use with little penalty. In our town of Orford, we have 90% of the land in current use. There is absolutely no harm with having a mere 10% of the current use land transfered to full property tax land and still obtain the majestic land of current use. I also think there should be a very close look at the current use law and how it is being abused in the system for what it was truly meant for. Thank you for your time, Charlie Smith Selectman-Orford, NH