I feel moved to write this letter and join David McCauley’s August 1 NTW letter, “Higher Taxes Will Increase Rents,” on the subject of Middletown’s new tax classification structure.

Middletown residents have fallen victim to gentrification, brought on by all the tourism efforts to promote Middletown and attract money. Well, it took some time, but it worked. Now we’re getting more than we bargained for: gentrification.

Gentrification, in this case, occurs when an area becomes attractive to higher-income people. The wealthy newcomers put economic pressure on the local community in the form of higher property values, which in turn leads to higher taxes. The negative consequences of gentrification are many, but let’s look at the biggest downside: the loss of affordable housing due to taxes. As more wealthy outsiders have taken a liking to Middletown, single-family homes are selling at astronomical prices. These showpiece homes increase the value of all real estate in Middletown. That may sound good to some, but that view is short-sighted. As more outsiders vacation in Middletown, an extraordinary amount of affordable housing is lost to Airbnb and short-term rentals. When you count short-term rentals and Airbnbs, Middletown has some of the highest numbers in the state. That’s not the growth we want to see.

I own four rental properties in Middletown that I rent out on 12-month leases at competitive rates. I am sure Mr. McCauley’s properties on 12-month leases will benefit our residents, as will mine.

The new tax rate in Middletown is $8.67 for residential property. For it to be considered residential property, your name must be on the deeds record and you must be a registered voter in Middletown. Everyone else’s property is considered non-residential and is taxed at $11.29, about 30% more if you add up the luxury properties, short-term rentals, Airbnbs, and the inexpensive rental units. But it’s not the same. I believe that renters who rent for 12 months are residents of Middletown and the units they occupy should be viewed in that light and taxed at the $8.67 rate. Make the 12-month lease proof of residency.

With that in mind, I ask the Middletown City Council to reconsider its new tax structure. How about adopting a policy that allows and perhaps incentivizes landlords to rent their units at affordable rates with a 12-month lease by taxing affordable units at the resident rate, which allows landlords to keep rents affordable? It’s simple: rent your units at affordable rates and pay taxes on that property at the residential rate because the people living in those units are residents.

One final argument for classifying 12-month tenants as residents: if they bring their rental agreement or vehicle registration to apply for a beach badge, they will receive a resident badge. And that’s how it is.

Linda Casey Middletown