To the Editor:

The Village of Morristown is a wonderful place to live and to raise a family. However, in the 32 years that I’ve lived here, I’ve watched it go from having a thriving small downtown area to practically a ghost town. As a NYS certified real estate appraiser, I watch the market more than most people.

At one time there were many small businesses on Main Street and we had two diners and two restaurants, as well as a convenience store, bank and liquor store. Now there is nothing left but the bank. At one time the harbor was busy with Canadians coming to visit and enjoying our lovely area. We used to have a reason for them to come. Now we have little to nothing to offer.

The cost of village taxes, with very limited services, is causing many potential buyers to look elsewhere for housing. In the past two years, only four home sales have occurred in the village. They ranged from $8,500 to $36,000. There are too many homes on the market now and other properties withdrawn by the owners, due to inactivity. Once potential buyers see the total cost of their yearly tax bill, they move on to homes outside the village.

By dissolving the village, the hope is that we will again become an active community with people willing to invest in small businesses that will draw visitors and a renewed interest in our real estate market. There are potential buyers out there who have expressed an interest in the community but will not buy with the current tax burden.

Those people who are against dissolving the village argue that we will lose our identity. That won’t happen. It will always be called the village. The only difference is that there will no longer be a duplication of services and the village tax bill will go away.

Another argument is what about the docks and bathhouse. The village has been responsible for maintaining the docks and bathhouse at the harbor. The very few taxpayers in the village have been supporting public property while the many who use it have no responsibility for it.

With dissolution, the town will take over that responsibility and the burden will be shared by the many. Makes sense.

Please vote yes on Tuesday, June 26. Our future depends on it.

Kathy Pomeroy

Morristown