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New York landowner is facing a financial burden after a new wetlands map rendered his property nearly worthless. Despite the change, his local tax bill remains unchanged. The owner shared his story on Reddit's r/realestateinvesting subreddit, stating that his 1.5-acre property in Somers, New York, was once worth around $250,000 but is now considered mostly undevelopable due to an updated informational wetlands map from the state.

    The land had a small wetland at its back, but it never prevented development until the January update showed most of the property covered in wetlands. Although the designation isn't official yet, the owner believes the visual alone will deter potential buyers, leaving only a few usable corners. He's stuck paying nearly $3,000 annually in property taxes for land that can't be used.

    A commenter who works as a land use attorney clarified that the DEC map is informational and nonbinding. They noted that while the presence of wetlands may impact development, it doesn't necessarily mean the property is not buildable. The DEC recently changed its regulations, which may affect properties previously exempt from regulation.