Four years ago, I warned Lewiston residents that the development of untaxed property — in many cases using land and/or property that was previously taxable — was not sustainable, as it was growing at four times the rate of taxable property. Sadly, the trend continues.

Whether residents own their home, are in a rental property or own a business in Lewiston, this should concern them.

Since 2019 the taxable growth has been $117 million, but $110 million of that is the New England Clean Energy Connect project, now on hold as voters rejected the project.

Nontaxed growth during the same time is over $38 million and includes $19 million for the Connors school. We’re left with potentially $19 million untaxed development against $7 million in taxable property growth.

Much of the “state share” is based on total property value, meaning we get less as overall assessed values increase. Continued development of taxable property into untaxed will be devastating if we do not see real development of residential and business properties, yet our city leaders seem content to allow untaxed growth that will burden those who live in this city for years to come.

We already overtax many business properties where assessment is closer to 95% of the actual value while residential property varies from 70-80% of actual value. Some will argue “businesses can afford it,” not admitting that those costs are typically passed on to the consumer.

Residents should tell their elected officials to make strong fiscal policy that considers the long-term effect of these decisions before giving away their city. Robert Reed, Lewiston

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