Something of an uproar has taken place in the home-owning community since a number of members of the Somerville Board of Aldermen began looking at a home rule petition proposal to impose a real estate transfer fee on property sales in the city.

Advocates of the plan say that the fee would discourage developers from “flipping” houses and apartments, thus helping to keep families and individuals from being priced out of the city.

Critics feel that it is just another way to draw money from the public and would in fact do little to alleviate the difficulties facing those who seek mortgages or who are trying to sell their properties. In fact, some argue that the proposed fee would only make the situation worse for sellers.

Aldermen who favor the proposal argue that the collected funds could go only to an Affordable Housing Trust Fund, and would specifically target developers who are buying properties. Also, the Board is looking at exempting all owner-occupied 1, 2, and 3 family homes, as well as exempting any family trust transfers.

The proposal has a long way to go before it can – if it can – get off the ground. The specifics of the plan still need to be finalized, and then it will go forward to the State Legislature for further consideration as a home rule petition.

Those concerned with the issue should attend public hearings that have been scheduled to make their opinions known.