Residents sue town for big tax increase

GROTON, Conn. (WTNH) -- Residents say that a significant property adjustment is unfair as it will cause a huge spike in taxes.

Even on a rainy day the beauty of Groton Long Point can be seen. The view is one reason residents say they are being unfairly targeted by the town.

They say that the latest attack, a 35% adjustment, will raise their property values and taxes.

"I think it's excessive and they are making the people of Groton Long Point pay too much," said Jean Modiszewski, a Long Point resident.

Residents say the adjustment raised their taxes by 17%. For John LaLima, that's an extra $1,800 this year. He pays nine times what he paid when he bought his home in 1982.

"My taxes were $2,000, now they're approaching $20,000 per year," he said. "I have a very modest house."

Several owners are now suing the town. News 8 went to the assessor's office to find out why the adjustment was made.

The Director of Finance was told not to talk to the media by the town attorney.

"I have no comment," said Salvatore Pandolfo, the Director of Finance.

Many folks tell News 8 they don't get back in services what they pay in taxes. Many are retired or summer residents, so they don't even have children in the school district.

"All of us have worked hard to have what we own and we'd like to be able to keep it for our children," said Barbara Melanson, a Long Point resident.

Whether they have high incomes or are on fixed incomes, they feel they are paying more than their fair share.

"People are moving. The suit will probably get us back to where we were which is still a high number," said LaLima.