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AMENDMENT 6: Working Waterfront Property

Poll Opened: October 23, 2008

Poll Closes: November 30, 2008

AMENDMENT 6: Working Waterfront Property

ON THE BALLOT: "Provides for assessment based upon use of land used predominantly for commercial fishing purposes; land used for vessel launches into waters that are navigable and accessible to the public; marinas and drystacks that are open to the public; and water-dependent marine manufacturing facilities, commercial fishing facilities, and marine vessel construction and repair facilities and their support activities, subject to conditions, limitations, and reasonable definitions specified by general law."

THE GIST: This would ensure that marinas, commercial fishing operations, boat building and repair businesses and other "working waterfront" businesses would be taxed based on their existing use, not the "highest and best" use such as real estate development.

PROS: Supporters say it would help protect the state's legitimate waterfront businesses from increased taxation.

CONS: Critics say there is potential for abuse. The well-intentioned amendment could be used by developers to avoid paying taxes.

- Russell Ray

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