I went into Price Chopper (or Market 32 maybe) a couple of months ago and realized I had forgotten my wallet in the car. I turned around with my cart to go get it and the cart’s wheels locked at the door! Employee told me that the carts have sensors and that know whether the cart has gone through the check out line.

It’s a thing. It’s just not a thing in March.

Your family looks fun!

I would agree with all of this, I just don’t know how to get momentum behind any new ideas. There’s so much resistance to any kind of change.

What does thinking bigger mean to you?

I don’t think that’s true. I run a small non-profit and we have hundreds of volunteers! Also the folks I see that don’t seem to care much for neighbors are the Air B and B users, so also the owners by extension. I know plenty of second homeowners that really do care for the neighbors and community, but if you don’t live here you’re not really invested in making sure the schools are good and the children are fed.

I shouldn’t generalize too much and I know that I have here. Y’know, it’s Reddit.

Air B and B has existed for 15 years. The market will adapt.

We don’t have to seize them. We just need to tax them appropriately so that short term and long term rental income becomes more equal.

If their actual home is in Vermont I am happy that they are here!

They also don’t volunteer for the fire department, shop in our stores, or care about their neighbors.

Exactly.

And property taxes should be even higher for people who don’t live here.

And attract the worst sorts of people who don’t give a shit about neighbors.

Right!?! I like being reasonably certain there’s not a camera in the light fixture!

I’m thinking OP’s BIL is his wife’s brother.

We’ve only got the original version, but I’ve been eyeing the others. How do you like Summer Pavilion?

Wingspan and Azul are the favorites in my house.

I know. And it’s probably the best possible thing that could happen. I’m just saddened and a little salty that so much of Vermont is a tourist attraction catering to folks who don’t live here while those who do can’t afford even a crappy apartment, nevermind a home.

There’s nothing ironic about my comment.

I am not racist. When I say Vermonter, I am referring to people who live here as opposed to part-timers, weekenders, and Air B and B owners. Some of my favorite Vermonters are brand new Americans!

Oh look. More Vermont for non-Vermonters. :(

I saw them go by a week or so ago. I hate it and I can’t even put my finger on why.

Exactly. And it’s a bummer. There’s still good things, but more and more of the town is meant for people who don’t live there so it feels phony somehow. Like Uncanny Valley.

Honestly, I don’t think that matters. If you own x% of the value of a town you should pay at least that percent of the cost of running that town and educating its children. Whether you choose to use those services is not really relevant, if you live here you don’t get a tax break if you don’t have kids or don’t drive.

What are you talking about? Some Vermont towns even tax second homes at a lower rate than primary homes. Even those that do, it’s not punitively higher as you suggest. I know the rate in Manchester is only like 5% higher for second homeowners. I truly believe that that town is an example of where this is all leading and it’s not good. Second homeowners do not participate in the community and when there are too many vacant homes it becomes unsustainable. You can’t have a town that no one actually lives in no matter how much they pay in property tax.