Longtime Vermonter here, and someone who was involved in the housing business. Builders have always built for the top of the market because it’s easier to make a profit. Those who built for entry-level properties generally had a larger parcel of land they could subdivide and build multiple units.

But as much as we’d like to see more affordable housing, the more expensive homes do have the function of allowing people to move out of their starter homes into something that better fits their needs. I’m an example of this. When I bought my first home, I couldn’t afford to live in the area I wanted. But after a few years, I saved some bucks and developed more equity , and was able to sell my little starter home to someone who was just thrilled, and moved to a larger home in my preferred area.

This cycle worked for many years, at least in Northern VT. It’s been disrupted lately by more nonVermonters moving in, more corporate investors, and homes converted into short term rentals.

Still unnecessarily unkind. People that age remember how it was 50, 60 years ago and use that as a gauge. You’ll understand someday, but please don’t be unkind in the meantime.

Because of the location (within 200 feet of a lake), and because the leach field had failed, we needed a special mound system. You were lucky you didn’t have to redo the leach field.

Land costs are crazy, and if a lot comes on the market, builders snatch them up if the price is moderate. We replaced our failed septic system this past year for $45K, so that shows you what they can cost. You might be able to put some sweat equity by doing some work yourself, but that doesn’t touch the cost of materials. Good luck finding a general contractor. And I’m still hearing about substantial delays in getting needed materials.

Unelected positions on your Select Board? Never heard of such a thing. Maybe you mean “ran unopposed “, a very different thing. And if you want change, run for a position. Many Vermont towns have a hard time finding people to take these poorly paid, time-consuming, and thankless positions.