Ownership and Voice

According to the Town Assessor, more than half of the Town’s tax bills are mailed to addresses outside Shandaken. Because many second-home owners own higher-valued properties, it is likely that they represent a significant share of the Town’s property tax base.

Most second-home owners vote where they reside full-time and therefore have little or no voice in local elections, despite making a substantial financial contribution to the Town through property taxes. That does not mean they lack an interest in good government.

If current concerns about Town leadership and decision-making continue, second-home owners may need to organize and make their voices heard, much as the Woodland Valley community came together to oppose the proposed water bottling project.