"Regarding tourism, when moderate, could be blessing for local economy. But when explodes, it's a curse for everybody. I had seen sign in southern France "TOURISTS ARE NOT WELCOME", locals just got fed up."
Tourists are just part of the problem.
It used to be that locals lived here,, owned a business, planned for the tourist season, and we also got a break when winter arrived. They raised families, built a close knot community, and in general,, most died here.
Now, it's totally different.
I tell folks; "I'm an endangered species, I'm a native here."
We've had an influx of people who have come in, built a business, or had a business,,, sold things, and moved on. They also have built real estate companies on the premise of "Build or buy your retirement home. Then, lease it out when not in use, and use the money to pay for it. Later on, you can retire here, or sell it at a profit. We'll manage it for you!"
With all this,, the local government is now made up of "imports." Not a single LOCAL in our government. They have priced most of us out.
Of course,, the need for services are still here,, and now they have to pay folks to travel into the area to provide the service. And the expense of living here has been steadily rising. Just recently, the Town of LL had ANOTHER water & sewer rate increase. Base charge, even if not a single use is $45 for water,, and $95 for sewer. That's $135 per month,, just to have it available. And if you use any,, above the listed amount allocated,, you get a scheduled fee charge.
They are charging you for the incoming water,, and then charging to dispose of it. A buddy of mine,, uses very little, and he got his monthly bill and it was $156. He's single, uses very little, and is even gone a lot during the day.
My property in LL is currently disconnected from the water system. And I have a septic system for the cabin. My cabin is unoccupied, and closed up. My taxes on the other property are stupid high due to the rate for the property values in town.
But,, the area does have some nice scenery. And we live just outside the city limits now. And we do enjoy the beauty God has graced us with. I often say; "I wish it would freeze & snow for a week in July,, to run off a lot of these imported folks!" Miss Penny doesn't think it's funny as she dislikes cold weather,, but agrees with my sentiments.