Northampton likes to be called Paradise City. The powers that be talk about making the city affordable.
Yet close examination reveals an underside which exposes why the city is so expensive.
At a recent meeting to discuss future water and sewer rates, it was recommended that they be increased by 5 percent annually.
If one compares our rates with our neighbors, we are significantly more expensive.
Furthermore, the proposal did not factor in the effects on business such as restaurants.
For example, my business, Pine Street Cafe, will need to sell more than 700 donuts just to pay the water bill.
And when you add the Community Preservation Act fee, the increasing property taxes, the stormwater runoff fee and other taxes, I am afraid the city is on the road to Paradise Lost.
Arnold Levinson
Northampton