Property tax math is simple. Grand list times mill rate equals revenue, which pays for services. Groton has three choices: increasing the mill rate, development to grow the grand list or reduction of services.

Groton is such a great place to live because of the incredible services: the cutting-edge schools, the incredible parks and rec program, the reliable public works, the enviable library and all the rest. We certainly do not want to lose any of that.

That means either raising the mill rate or development to increase the tax base.

Some of the loudest voices opposing the Mystic River Bluffs are the same ones who vociferously oppose any tax increase. We cannot have it both ways. We cannot oppose tax increases and development.

While large, the project is being designed with a mind towards the community. Set back into the woods but close to a highway interchange, traffic will bypass most neighbors and visibility of the project will be limited. Most other objections are similarly planned for.

You can be against taxes or development but not both. There are other towns with less services and lower taxes, but that is not right for Groton.

Michael Whitehouse

Groton