Regarding the Nov. 7 article in the Phoenix, “Landlords will pay more in new tax system,” the idea that this will help alleviate the housing shortage is nonsense, and it is clear that Doug Gablinske (who was quoted in the article) agrees with this.

As both a resident and landlord, it is clear to me that this will simply increase rents and leave renters funding additional affordable housing in Bristol. Most landlords try to be fair with their tenants, but they do try to pass along cost increases. This change in the tax system makes absolutely no sense as presented.

In addition, any increase will simply be included in general revenues and simply be spent by the town on other items, unless they are setting up a dedicated account to be used solely for affordable housing, which I do not believe is the intent.

The idea here is to mention Airbnb and college student rentals that make it appeal to many residents, but what about all the families, many with children, in long-term rentals? What happens when a property owned by one family member is rented to another family member? These are all long-term Bristol residents.

This proposed plan is entirely unfair to all long-term residents in rentals, and obviously has not been entirely thought through (I hope).

Philip Fitting
Bristol