I do not live in Bar Harbor. However I know that it is a destination of millions because of its location within one of our country’s most popular National Parks. Businesses depend on tourists and the money that the town receives for each person or cruise ship passenger who desires to visit Acadia National Park is now on the backs of the local taxpayers. How much can the local business or working family contine to pay to offset this multi million dollar revenue loss to the town? Businesses cannot absorb these kind of taxes, and the town wants a new K/12 School? So many businesses on the Island are non profits and contribute 0 taxes. It is a sad day for businesses in Bar Harbor as well as families that are struggling to pay increased costs of gas, heating oil, electricity and huge property increases coming their way. How many small independent businesses will survive? How will the lobster industry survive? Does anyone who lives and votes in Bar Harbor even realize what lies ahead? These voters probably have thoughts of limitations on who can cross the bridge onto the Island …cruise ships alleviate thousands of individual cars with all their pollution not to mention parking issues…
I am not sure if voters pay property taxes or even have begun to see the ramifications of these anti-business decisions. Such a sad day for BR Harbor property and business owners.
Lynn, apologies! I am only just seeing your comment and I wanted to thank you for posting this and adding to the conversation. I appreciate you and your question a lot.
I do not live in Bar Harbor. However I know that it is a destination of millions because of its location within one of our country’s most popular National Parks. Businesses depend on tourists and the money that the town receives for each person or cruise ship passenger who desires to visit Acadia National Park is now on the backs of the local taxpayers. How much can the local business or working family contine to pay to offset this multi million dollar revenue loss to the town? Businesses cannot absorb these kind of taxes, and the town wants a new K/12 School? So many businesses on the Island are non profits and contribute 0 taxes. It is a sad day for businesses in Bar Harbor as well as families that are struggling to pay increased costs of gas, heating oil, electricity and huge property increases coming their way. How many small independent businesses will survive? How will the lobster industry survive? Does anyone who lives and votes in Bar Harbor even realize what lies ahead? These voters probably have thoughts of limitations on who can cross the bridge onto the Island …cruise ships alleviate thousands of individual cars with all their pollution not to mention parking issues…
I am not sure if voters pay property taxes or even have begun to see the ramifications of these anti-business decisions. Such a sad day for BR Harbor property and business owners.
Lynn, apologies! I am only just seeing your comment and I wanted to thank you for posting this and adding to the conversation. I appreciate you and your question a lot.