Mayor, challenger to discuss short-term rentals
Village Mayor Heath Tortarella and his opponent in Tuesday’s election, Village Board member Gary Bassett, will hold a public discussion Sunday about proposed zoning changes regarding the short-term rental market.
The event is scheduled for 4 p.m. in the Starr Library, 68 W. Market St.
The village last year drafted a new section of code to cover bedand-breakfast establishments, with regulations addressing parking, permits, the length of time that lodging can be provided to an individual guest, and record keeping. It also calls for property owners to “supervise guests so as not to disrupt the neighborhood.”
In December, the Village Board asked the Zoning Revision Commission to review the proposed change.
Village resident Kevin Curry said Friday that Sunday’s discussion was requested by people who support short-term rentals booked through such websites as Airbnb.com.
“We kept pushing with the mayor to allow a group of us to meet with that special zoning commission,” Curry said. “That never happened ... [and[ finally the clock got down to where we’re at the mayoral election now.”
Tortarella was not immediately available for comment Friday about the status of the zoning review. Bassett declined to offer an opinion on the proposed zoning change.