This was explained to me by a customer.
Everywhere out here you see the incomplete construction projects. The raiments of Tyvek gesticulating in the wind, housing projects, home reno's, projects in the perpetuity of "completion" and never "complete".
He explains: That as soon as the project is complete, the property tax assessment goes up. And so many residents prefer to keep their properties incomplete.
This makes sense, but it suggests that maybe we need some revision to our guidelines for property tax....that any projects begun need be complete within X timeframe or face X penalties...
Still, grateful for the explanation. So many mysteries unfolding, slowly, surely....