Article 31 Granucci Presentation¶
Article 31
Home Rule Legislation / Chapter 61B Exemption
Carmine Granucci
Town Meeting Member, Precinct 21
The Problem
75%
tax discount for
private country clubs
Chapter 61B provides a 75% reduction in assessed value for
recreational land. It was designed for farms and open spaces.
Private country clubs have taken advantage of this to dramatically
reduce their tax obligations.
Two clubs hold 59 acres of private land in Arlington (1.8% of total
town land):
• Belmont CC: 11.33 acres, currently under 61B
• Winchester CC: 47.95 acres, dropped 61B for FY2026
Removing Belmont CC's exemption: ~$18,254/year in additional
revenue
(per Town Manager, Board of Assessors methodology)
61B requires 5+ contiguous acres. Only these two clubs qualify in
Arlington.
Article 31 | Town Meeting | April 27, 2026
The Tax Disparity
Land-only tax per acre, FY2026
$545
$4,495
per acre per acre
Belmont CC Winchester CC
(61B Exemption) (Golf, No 61B)
1.5% of residential rate 13% of residential rate
Even on large ~1 acre lots, residential land is taxed at ~$22,969/acre (42x the 61B rate).
Article 31 | Town Meeting | April 27, 2026
$35,258
per acre
Arlington Residential
(Typical Lot, Land Only)
65x Belmont CC rate
Full 61B
Dropped 61B
Split: 5 ac Golf + 40 ac back on 61B
Dropped 61B again
Why We Must Act Now
Winchester CC has toggled in and out of 61B for decades:
1992–2003
2004–2008
2009–2025
2026
If Winchester re-enrolls in 61B: estimated loss of ~$24,964 per year in tax revenue.
Combined with Belmont CC ($18,254): ~$43,218/year at risk. Without Article 31, nothing prevents either club
from applying next year.
Article 31 | Town Meeting | April 27, 2026
Vote Yes on Article 31
Supported by:
Select Board Board of Assessors
3-1 favorable
Unanimous
(1 recusal)
A private country club should not receive a 75% tax discount while Arlington homeowners
are asked to pay more through overrides. Everyone should pay their fair share.
Carmine Granucci | Town Meeting Member, Precinct 21
