To the editor:
The Mass Senior Action Council would like to thank Lynn Assessor Chris Gaeta and his team for addressing the burden of senior homeowners.
In March 2021, members of the Mass Senior Action Council (MSAC) met with the assessor’s office to share the hardship senior homeowners are facing. Members shared tax exemptions other communities adopted to help long-time homeowners with the out-of-control housing assessments.
We understand that some of the property-tax policy is governed by the state, but we knew the city could do something to help Lynn senior residents.
At the April 12 City Council meeting, Assessor Gaeta proposed a plan to increase tax abatements for both the senior-work-off program and personal senior exemption.
The plan will double one of the abatements and nearly triple the other. We are thrilled the assessor heard our plea and came up with a plan.
This is a huge help. Seniors face a 14-percent increase in Medicare out-of-pocket expenses. This increase on top of the cost of food and transportation really hinders the “golden years” from being golden.
Thank you, Mr. Gaeta and the City Council for giving Lynn seniors a lifeline.
Kathy Paul
MSAC North Shore chapter president
