Town urged to control short-term rentals

Town Board members are looking for a way to regulate short-term rentals after getting more complaints.

SAUGERTIES, N.Y. >> Town Board members are looking for a way to regulate shortterm rentals after getting more complaints that say visitors and property owners have little regard for neighbors.

The concerns were discussed during a meeting last week, with resident Steve Gentile saying that a Platte Clove Terrace residence has been use as ongoing party location.

“The noise that comes from there is not just weekends,” he said. “It’s during the week.”

Gentile noted that the activities occur through 3 a.m. and includes lighting that illuminates an otherwise wooded area.

“They installed lights in the backyard so that when they are out there partying it is like Yankee Stadium is there,” he said. “(It) means the lights are on in my house because it’s so bright.”

Gentile added that police have emphasized they are powerless to stop loud parties outside of the village.

“They can make a courtesy call but it’s as good as a slap on the wrist,” he said.

There were also complaints about additional traffic due to activity at the Fite House, which is listed on AirBnB with a note that renters are allowed to have visitors.

“We often have guests that want their friends or other family to come enjoy a campfire for a few hours, and we love that,” the Fite House listing states. “An upcharge only applies if they stay the night in your space.”

Resident Kristin Barton said the additional traffic has lead to visitors driving recklessly.

“We’ve got a lot of people trying to figure out where to go really fast,” she said.

Supervisor Fred Costello said the town is looking to have a short-term rental law based on language in by other communities. He added that noise rules and other nuisance issues are expected to be included as requirement to having a permit.

“In our proposed legislation we’re going to do our best to try to accommodate some noise concerns,” he said. “That’s something that’s not part of the Woodstock law because they rely on (a separate law) regarding noise.”