In a move that has left residents frustrated and questioning local governance, East Haddam recently reassessed property values at the height of the real estate market boom. While officials cited Connecticut state law as the basis for the reassessments, the timing has raised eyebrows, particularly when coupled with the town’s decision to stop plowing certain roads—an action that further complicates life for many homeowners.

Reassessment During a Market Peak

Under Connecticut law, municipalities are required to conduct property reassessments every five years to ensure that taxes reflect current market values. However, East Haddam’s decision to complete its reassessment during a period of unprecedented real estate market inflation has left residents feeling the pinch.

With property values soaring during the recent housing market surge, reassessments have resulted in significantly higher tax burdens for many homeowners. For those whose incomes haven’t risen proportionally—or who purchased their homes years ago—this sudden spike in taxes is unsustainable.

Road Neglect Compounds the Problem

To add insult to injury, shortly after reassessments were finalized, the town announced it would no longer plow certain roads. This decision has severe implications for affected homeowners, including:
• Safety Risks: Snow-covered roads can prevent emergency services from reaching homes and accessing water sources, as East Haddam lacks fire hydrants and depends on nearby lakes for firefighting.
• Unsellable Properties: Homes located on unplowed roads are now functionally unsellable. Mortgage underwriters typically require assurance of year-round road maintenance, which is no longer guaranteed.
• Double Jeopardy for Homeowners: Not only are residents facing inflated property tax bills due to the reassessment, but they’re also watching their home values plummet due to reduced accessibility and safety concerns.

Was the Timing Intentional?

Residents are questioning whether the town’s actions were coincidental or strategic. Completing reassessments during a market peak maximizes tax revenue but unfairly burdens homeowners. The decision to discontinue plowing certain roads soon after raises the possibility that some neighborhoods were deprioritized due to perceived expendability, as many prominent families have left the area in recent years.

Impact on Community Trust

The combination of these two decisions has eroded trust in East Haddam’s leadership. Many residents feel blindsided, citing a lack of transparency and community engagement. The condescending tone of responses from town officials has only fueled frustrations, leaving taxpayers to wonder if their voices truly matter.

A Call for Accountability

East Haddam residents deserve better. Public officials have a duty to act in the best interests of the entire community, not just select portions of it. The town must:

1. Provide Justification: Clearly explain the timing of the reassessments and the decision to stop plowing roads.
2. Offer Solutions: Propose measures to address safety and accessibility concerns for unplowed roads.
3. Rebuild Trust: Engage with the community transparently and collaboratively to resolve these issues.

East Haddam’s residents are resilient, but they should not have to face inflated tax burdens, safety risks, and the specter of unsellable homes without support or answers from their local government.

For those impacted, it’s time to demand transparency and accountability from the town’s leadership. Only through collective action can these issues be addressed and a fair path forward be established.