Letters to the Editor - The Millerton News - 5-13-21

When does common sense come into play?

I’ve been in contact with the Town of North East Assessor’s Office in regard to the two portable storage sheds on the property I rent at 51 Beilke Road, Millerton. Town Assessor Katherine Johnson has assessed these two portable buildings as “permanent structures” on my landlord’s property, but in reality, since I rent the whole parcel along with the house, and I bought the sheds keeping under the 100-square-foot allotment that the town has set forth at 96-square-feet each, a building permit was not necessary. 

These buildings should not be assessed or taxed because they can be picked up and moved. She has determined on her own that these are “permanent structures” and therefore need to be assessed and should be taxed.

Now I asked the assessor what the definition is to determine a “permanent structure?”

I told her my thoughts of what a “permanent structure” is. To me and according to her, a “permanent structure” is a building attached to the ground by a foundation, concrete slab or by some kind of service line (either a water line, electric line or sewage line). 

She agreed with this definition, but said she had to make the determination that these buildings would become “permanent structures” because 90% of the time they never get moved. 

I told her that if I move, the buildings will be going with me. My landlord has no interest in keeping these buildings. Also, since they are not tied into the ground or tethered by a service line, and since they are easily moved, that makes them portable and not “permanent.”

She told me she had determined that these buildings were on my landlord’s property and that the assessment will stand and if I have a problem with that decision, I would have to take it to the grievance board for review.

So I ask you, should buildings designed to be portable, less than 100 square feet in size, be considered “permanent structures?” Is it really necessary to tax a movable building?

Is it necessary to nickel and dime taxpayers to death — someone who has paid over 40 years of taxes on multiple properties in the Town of North East? I owned my home here in the village, paying 30 years of taxes, and now my daughter is living in Millerton, also paying taxes.

I don’t believe this is a fair assessment, and I don’t believe that one person can or should dictate what they determine is the law when there isn’t one.

Ronald Murphy

Millerton

Millerton articles have been bittersweet

At the end of World War II, my parents bought a beautiful tract of land near Pulvers Corners. I grew up there in the 50s, spending countless weekends there, getting to know the woods, the wildlife and the community. In the ’80s, I built a new escape on the land, and still spend many weekends there, although not nearly enough.

Millerton became our center of activity. The shops, restaurants, and The Moviehouse were all part of our second home. But nothing lasts forever, and many of these landmarks have sadly disappeared. The forest has been changing as well. The last few American Chestnuts have died off. The birches are gone, having been replaced by tall white oaks. Wild roses and blackberries have sprung up. The owls and hawks are back, and after 100 years, pines are finally beginning to return to the hilltops.

I enjoy reading historical markers as much as I enjoy visiting new shops and restaurants. The Rail Trail will undoubtedly bring new visitors, and the extraordinary beauty of the Harlem Valley will bring new part-time and year-round residents.

I embrace these changes while mourning that which is gone. As it is said, the only thing constant in life is change.

Phil Sego

Pulvers Corners and Cambridge, Mass.