San Diego’s proposed Non-Primary Homes Tax would unfairly burden residents who maintain second homes for practical — not speculative — reasons.
I own a modest, 48-year-old condo in a 55-plus Rancho Bernardo community so I can access better medical care. Many seniors do the same to be near doctors or grandchildren. We already pay full property taxes and HOA fees while using fewer city services than full-time residents (water, trash, roads).
I’m not wealthy. A $10,000 annual tax, in addition to property taxes, would force me (and other seniors) to make difficult decisions. Having worked hard, saved and sacrificed over a lifetime, shouldn’t retirees be allowed to enjoy their own property?
Any funds collected wouldn’t be dedicated to affordable housing but diverted to the city’s general fund, with little accountability. This proposal risks harming responsible homeowners while failing to address San Diego’s housing challenges. Vote no on the Non-Primary Homes Tax.
— Ellen Shaw, Rancho Bernardo