A recent letter claimed Greenfield collects about $5,900 per household in property taxes but spends around $8,000. The math might check out, but it leaves out an important part of the picture.
According to the Massachusetts Department of Revenue, property taxes make up only about 55 to 59 percent of Greenfield’s total revenue. The rest comes from state aid, excise taxes, permits, grants, and other local receipts. All of these — especially the state aid that funds our schools — are directly tied to population. When our community grows, so does the funding we receive.
It’s also inconsistent to complain about high housing costs while opposing new housing. More housing means more supply, and that helps keep prices in check. And while we all want more good-paying jobs, those jobs and small businesses grow where there are enough people to need their services.
I understand not wanting a tall building in your neighborhood. But if that’s the case, let’s push for sensible development we do want — not more parking lots, especially when there’s already plenty of parking nearby.
Edward Schwerin
Greenfield