HomeMy WebLinkAboutCombined mix of comments where people are doing it as a full time business, he thinks we should consider regulating it as a
full time business so that means potentially leveling the playing field between full time STRs and
hospitality businesses that are Subject to much more stringent re foul ations. Ike would like to level
the playing field, he would like people to supplement their mortgages and taxes, and he would
like to keep housing stock from being gobbled up and carved up in tiny little increments for STR.
Pat Leary, Town Board — Feels the same way as the other committee members, especially
preserving the rental housing stock for longer term residents and rentals and not squeezing that
out for tourists.
3. Identification of Issues
Mr. Goodman briefly summarized the current draft legislation adding that the Committee is only
looking at the Low Density, Medium Density and High Density residential zones in the Town,
they would not apply in the Town"s Ag, Conservation, or Lake-front zones.
The draft has a 29-day limit for STD and he reminded the group that we are not talking about
HT R at this point yet and to focus on the USTR.
The draft has various items in there to try and address some of the complaints we have received
in the past such as parking requirements and provision of contact information in case there is a
problem.
Mr. Goodman added that last spring there was a lot of-interest in the draft and we received a lot
of comments and emails with questions and concerns and the committee has talked about a lot of
those, we have not been able to come Lip with any resolution to them and he is hoping that is
what the group can work on tonight.
Mr. Goodman again asked to go around the table for any specific issue we should be discussing
tonight?
Tee-Ann—Length of time is an issue and the overlay districts and she would like to talk about
the enforcement and having certain tenant behaviors being a trigger for enforcement action.
Mia—overall, number of days and enforcement and an overlay and revenue coming back to the
Town to offset taxes paid by everyone.
Brent— Said that he thought Carolyn had sent a nierno out with the regulations they are
supportive of but what lie hasn't seen discussed during the course of this committee's existence
include the acknowledment we have that there is very little data that helps us understand the
magnitude or presence of USTRs in the Town and what those benefits and/or negative impacts
are. We are operating on very well meaning and well spoken concerns that have been expressed,
but we don't really know the extent of the problem and we are big believers in that legislation
should be scaled to address the problem, not scaled to anticipate a problem that may not exist.
He would like to talk a bit about the scale of the legislation.
STR Special Committee Meeting April 3, 2019 Pg. 3
TOWN OF ITHAC'A
LOCAL LAW NO. OF THE YEAR 2019
A LOCAL LAW ADDING A CHAPTER TITLED "OPERATING PERMITS FOR CERTAIN
UNHOSTET SHORT TERM RENTAL UNITS" TO THE TOWN OF ITHACA CODE
Be it enacted by the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca as follows:
Section 1. The Town of Ithaca Code is hereby amended by adding Chapter titled
"Operating Permits for Certain Unhosted Short Term Rental Units," reading as follows:
"Chapter
Operating Permits for Certain Short Term Rental Units
§ _-I. Applicability.
This chapter applies to all Unhosted Short Term Rental (USTR) Units except:
A. Those located in Agricultural, Conservation and Lakefront residential zones.
B. Those located in residential cooperative or condominium developments.
C. Those located in multiple dwelling buildings where they are prohibited by law.
§ _-2. Operating permit required.
A. Throughout the to of rental occupancy, all Unhosted Short Term Rental Units (except
those listed in § -I above) shall require a valid operating permit issued pursuant to
Town of Ithaca Code Chapter 125 (Building Construction and Fire Prevention), §125-
Before the expiration or renewal of the operating permit it shall be the responsibility of
the owner of such Unit to schedule an inspection with the Town of Ithaca Code
Enforcement Department in order to obtain a new or renewed permit.
B. The Code Enforcement Department shall issue an operating permit upon verification by
0
inspection that no violations of the following standards exist:
[Insert list here. J
C. A Code Enforcement Officer shall seek a search warrant from a court of competent
jurisdiction whenever the owner, managing agent or occupant fails to allow inspections
of any premises believed to be Subject to this chapter and where there is a reasonable
cause to believe that there is a violation of this chapter, Town of Ithaca Code Chapter 205
(Property Maintenance), or the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building
Code.
11/27/17
From: Amy Yale-Loehr
Sent: Monday,January 1l, 2O2112-17PM
/o: Paulette Ro{a.
Cc: Stephen Ata]\&Zyassaghi;
Subject- Addoursignaturetodocument- reShortTennRenta|sforLake
Property
Attachments: Lakefront Rental Restrictions Opposition Group Lettecndf
Dear MsRosa-
We vvom|d like to add our signature to the previously submitted letter regarding proposed
restrictions on Lakefront Property short term rentals.
VVe own the property atlO99TaughannuckBlvd. |t |sa seasonal property. VVedu not rent |t
currently but have in the past and would like to have the flexibility to rent in the future. Rental
income offsets the significant expense in owning lake property, particularly one that cannot be
used throughout the year because the house is not winterized and the difficult road access.
We live |n Ithaca throughout the year. This lake property has been in the Yale Family since 196E
We are good stewards of the property and the lake.
Sincerely,
Amy and Stephen Yale-Loehr
From: Bruce Lane
Sent: Tuesday,January 5, 20219:51 PM
To: Paulette Rosa
Subject: Comments on short term rentals
Dear Ms. Rosa,
My wife, Heather,, and I live at 1071 Taughannock Blvd. and I thought it would be
useful to provide you with a couple of comments about the issue of short term
rentals on Cayuga Lake.
While we do not currently rent out our house, we have, upon occasion done so
(during the winter). I know that many home owners on the lake do short term
rentals, which are sort of traditional for homes on bodies of water where we all
like to vacation (!). It helps pay the bills (our taxes on our Lake house are more
that our Ellis Hollow house, which is bigger), and often allows people to keep an
increasingly expensive-to-maintain house in the family. I would think it a good
idea to not change that traditional way of sharing vacation homes, which predates
AirBnB.
I am sure that there are noise and nuisance ordinances on the books already
which would work to deal with the occasional "loud guest". When one has
occurred at a neighboring house in our area, we are usually successful in quelling
the noise by a quick knock on their door. So, I think there are existing ways to
deal with the infrequent "bad actor" which would be much more appropriate and
scaled than such a restrictive ban as is being contemplated.
Please let me know if we may provide any additional input. Thanks for the work
you do to keep our Town working and working well!
Best 'wishes for a terrific 2021/
Bruce
Bruce Lane
Purity Ice Cream Co., Inc.
cell 607-227-4713
office tel. 607-272-1545
fax 607-272-1546
email: bruce@purityicecream.com
www. uritvicecream-com
www..purityeggnog.com
From: Barbara Marie Koslowski
Sent: Tuesday, August 17, 20213:30 PM
To: Paulette Rosa; Marty Moseley: Susan Ritter; Rod Howe; Bill
Goodman; Pam Bleiwas; Rich DePaolo; Eric Levine; Pat Leary;TeeAnn
Hunter; brock.@clarityconnect.com
Subject. Comments on STR meeting of 8-10-21
Attachments: STR 8-10-21.docx
Hello, all. I am sending this as both attachment and text. Thank you.
1.One of the points raised in favor of allowing Lakefront properties to have unlimited stays is that there has been,for many
decades,a tradition of doing so and that allowing it to continue to do so will maintain its character. I.am not trying to dispute
that argument. Rather,I suggest that an analogy might be in order.
Certain residential neighborhoods(Renwick Heights,for example)have been residential for many decades. Therefore,parity of
argument would suggest that these neighborhoods(like Lakefront properties)ought to be allowed to maintain their character.
Rich's argument is that those of us who live in Renwick Heights knew that,when we moved to Ithaca,we were joining a
transient community and transient communities have a lot of rentals. I would suggest that this argument is specious for the
following reason.
To the extent that Ithaca is a transient community,it is largely students who make it so. Students are concentrated in College
Town. Those of us who wanted to avoid living in a transient community chose to avoid living in College Town even though,for
many of us,it would have been closer to Cornell. Specifically,we chose to live in residential areas. Thus,the fact that some
portion of Ithaca residents are transient does not mean that all of Ithaca is a transient community.
2.1 would like to echo the point about enforcement of violations. Marty Moseley(Director of Code Enforcement)wrote in an
email-"We do not have the resources to enforce consequences related to individuals lying to us.Unfortunately,our department
deals with this on a,sometimes,daily basis."'
This suggests two things. One is that STR rentals are more problematic than is often portrayed,in that there are more than a few
"'bad actors." The other is that,given how lucrative STRs are,it is only reasonable that the people who benefit from STRs
financially should foot a chunk of the bill for increasing enforcement staffing. I am tired of having my plantings crushed and not
being able to get out of any driveway because of"guests"cars and,in some cases trailers,blocking the road. Furthermore,an
enforcement office is crucial;in our case,contacting the"host"did no good;she was unavailable and,when we did reach her,
she said to deal directly with her guests.
In addition,I truly don't understand the argument that bad actors will be bad actors no matter what the laws are. This would
suggest that laws against,e.g.,murder,theft,etc.,are fairly useless,because bad actors will act badly no matter what. The
argument makes no sense.
3. Furthermore,I want to second the point that"hosts"should announce,in a way that can be visible withoul going inside,that
they are renting STRs. Rich"s argument that this would be adversarial makes no sense for four reasons. One is that,at some
point,the presence of strangers and additional cars will make it obvious that certain people are hosting TRs. More importantly,
perhaps,keeping that information hidden inside the house will appear devious and underhanded,and surely that will also be
adversarial. The third is that it puts the onus on neighbors to monitor who is hosting STRs,rather than on the hosts who are
benefitting from the STIRS.
The fourth,and arguably most important,reason why STR operating permits should be clearly visible and placed on the outside
of a host's house is related to enforcement. At the 7/22 STIR meeting,Marty Moseley said, "the operating permit should be
posted in a window facing the street so anyone can tell they have a valid operating permit.It should be conspicuous to a public
way."He also noted that this would be an advantage for Code Enforcement officers because they could then easily drive by and
tell that the unit has a valid permit.
If the Town is actually serious about enforcement,then it should facilitate making enforcement easy.
4.Finally,I want to underline Rich's point from an earlier mecting that even local governments ought to opt for transparency and
people who have a conflict of interest ought to recuse themselves from making decisions related to such conflicts. A lack of
transparency would not only give the appearance of an adversarial situation,it would also create an adversarial situation,with
lawmakers voting in their own interests,rather than in the interests of their constituents.
Thank you for reading.
Barbara Koslowskl
18 Renwick Heights Rd.
From: Paulette Rosa
Sent: Thursday, November 5, 2020 5:06 PM
To: Becky Jordan Bill Goodman; br y
ock@clarit connect.com; Daniel
Thaete; Donna Shaw; Eric Levine;Joe Slater;John Little;Judy Drake,
Marty Moseley: Mike Solvig; Pam Bleiwas; Pat Legry. Paulette Rosa;
Rich DePaolo; Rich Tenkate; Rod Howe (rhowe @town.ithaca.ny.us).;
Susan Ritter;TeeAnn Hunter
Subject- FW- Corrected Law f ro m Town of Dryden
Attachments: 201014 ,Draft Local Law Regulating Short Term Rental _DRAFT
LANGUAGE FOR PUBLIC HEARING-VERSION, #2.docx
From:Joy Foster<joy@dryden.ny.us>
Sent:Thursday, November 5, 2020 4:18 PM
To:townclerk@lansingtown.com; Clerk@Vlansing.org; Paulette Rosa <PRosa @town.ithaca.ny.us>-
JP
townclerk@townofdanbyny.org; clerk@townofcaroline.org; townclerk@htva.net;
virgilhall@frontiernet.net; Townclerk@groton.com; cilerk@freevilleny.org; elarkin@cortland-
co.org; rparker@cortland.org.; info@dryden-ny.org
Cc: Ray Burger<rburger@dryden.ny.us>
Subject: Corrected Law from Town of Dryden
Dear Clerks,
Earlier today I sent you an email with the wrong attachment, please find the correct LL for Short
Term Rentals.
Thanks.,
Joy Foster
Planning Department
93 East Main Street
Dryden NY 13053
607-84 -8888 ext 216
Fax: 607-844-8008
J y( )�dgryden.nv.us
9
From: Bill Goodman
Sent: Monday, December 14' 2O2O2-34PM
To: Pat Leary; Ric]]]ePaolo
Cc: Beck} Jordan; Susan Ritter;
Subject- FVV: Ithaca Lakefront Short Term Rentals
FY| -anctheronecominga|so
Bill Goodman
Deputy Supervisor, Town ofIthaca
Zl5 North TiogaStreet
Ithaca, NY 14850
687'592-6745, ce||
From:AtaMovassaghi <atamovassaghl@gnnaiicom>
Sent: Monday, December l4' 2O2O2-21PM
To: Bill Goodman <BGoodman@tovvn.ithaca.n\/us>; Becky Jordan <B]ordan@tovun.ithaca.my.us»
Subject: Ithaca Lakefront Short Term Rentals
Hi Bill and Becky,
| hope this message finds you and your family well.
Ahead of the Town 5TR meeting, | wanted to reach out in light of the recent STR discussions
around lakefront properties.and share my perspective as a recent owner and Ithaca native.
As someone who grew u p i n Ithaca a nd f req uently visited throughout my life, it has been the most
rewarding personal accomplishment this year for meto now own a lakefront property. It's
something I'd talk about with my parents early on but due to the high cost and scarce availability,
it was difficult to imagine. Many of my friends owned lake houses that we would enjoy to the
fullest, especially|n the summer months while the students were away.
Now as an owner myself, \ look forward to the opportunity to both share in these experiences
with family and friends in addition to local and outside visitors who seek out short term rentals on
Cayuga Lake.Tourism is one of the biggest drivers of economic stimulus in Ithaca. In a pandemic.
year unlike any other that we've experienced, it's difficult to imagine our economy without it.
Even in a normal year, people seek out lakefront rentals with specific intentions year round and
even my large community of Ithacans. now living elsewhere find it's the desired method to come
back to. If this was restricted, the Town will actually find that both tourism altogether and |thacans
won't visit to the same degree. Not to mention all the property managers, cleaning services,
contractors, etc. that rely onthis business to uphold their own employment and livelihood.
Secondly,the lakefront is not Cayuga Heights or traditional neighborhoods that consist of family-
owned homes while kids are in school going through K,12.The reality is that they're
predominantly second homes by nature of location, school proximity, and higher cost of the
properties.Thus, the same policy/standards for a residential area like Cayuga Heights shouldn't
apply. Lakefront property is far more rare and giving the opportunity to people who could
otherwise never experience it is the highest demonstration of"neigh borh ood."
5TR guests both staycationing within Ithaca and visiting from the outside are investing locally by
not staying in major hotel conglomerates and taking local recommendations to experience
everything small businesses have tooffer that's what our town is built on. |f lake houses were
included in these STIR regulations, it would severely impact our economy with these people
choosing to allocate their time elsewhere.
Look forward to joining today's call and sincerely appreciate your time and continued investment
]n the considerations of all members of our community.
From: Pa u I ette Rosa
Sent: Thursday, December 10, 2020 1:S4 PM
To: Becky Jordan; Bill Goodman,; brock@clarit connect.com.; Daniel,
Thaete; Donna Shaw; Eric Levine;Joe Slater;John Little;Judy Drake;
Marty Moseley: Mike Solvig; Pam Bleiwas; Pat Leary; Paulette Rosa;
Rich DePaolo; Tenkate; Rod Howe; Susan Ritter;TeeAnn Hunter
Subject. FW: Letter to STR Committee and Town of Ithaca Board
Attachments: STR.Itr.12.10.20.pdf; email.11.14.19.png
From: Carolyn Greenwald<cbgreenwaId@grnail.com>
Sent:Thursday, December 10, 2020 1.13 PIVI
To: Paulette Rosa PRosa @town.ithaca.ny.us>; Becky Jordan <Morda n @town.ithaca.ny.us>; Bill
Goodman <BGoodman@town.ithaca.ny.us>
Subject: Letter to STR Committee and Town of Ithaca Board
Kindly distribute the attached letter and accompanying attached email (labeled email.11.14.19) to
the TiS committee and the Town Board.
Best regards,
Carolyn Greenwald
From: Paulette Rosa
Sent: Thursday, December 10, 2020 1:S4 PM
To: Becky Jordan Bill Goodman; br Y
ock@clarit connect.com; Daniel
Thaete; Donna Shaw; Eric Levine;Joe Slater;John Little;Judy Drake,
Marty Moseley: Mike Solvig; Pam Bleiwas; Pat Legry
-1 - � Paulette Rosa;
Rich DePaolo; Rich Tenkate; Rod Howe (rhowe @town.ithaca.ny.us).;
Susan Ritter;TeeAnn Hunter
Subject- FW- Letter to STR Committee and Town of Ithaca Board
Attachments: STR.1tr.12.10.20.pdf; email.11.14.19.png
From: Carolyn Greenwald <cbgreenwald@gmail.com>
Sent:Thursday, December 10, 2020 1.13 PM
To: Paulette Rosa <PRosa @town.ithaca.ny.us>; Becky Jordan <BJordan@town.ithaca.ny.us>; Bill
Goodman <BGood man @town.ithaca.ny.us>
Subject: Letter to STR Committee and Town of Ithaca Board
Kindly distribute the attached letter and accompanying attached email (labeled email.11.14.19) to
the STR committee and the Town Board.
Best regards,
Carolyn Greenwald
From: Bill Goodman
Sent: Monday, December 21, 2020 12-38 PM
To: Pat Leary; TeeAnn Hunter; Rich DePaola
Cc: Paulette Rosa; Susan Ritter; Marty Moseley
Subject- FW: Proposed STR regulations- Lakefront
Hi folks, another STIR comment re Lakefront
Bill Goodman
Deputy Supervisor, Town of Ithaca
215 North Tioga Street
Ithaca, NY 14850
607-592-6745, cell
From:Jyl Dowd <jyIdowd@gmail.com>
Sent:Sunday, December 20, 2020 5:02 PM
To: Bill Goodman <13Goodrnan@townJthaca.ny.us>
Subject: Proposed STIR regulations
Dear Short Term Rental Committee and Town of Ithaca Board,
I am writing in favor of the exclusion of the lakefront district from the proposed STR
regulations.
I have lived in Ithaca since 1965. Raised by a single morn, 3 of us lived in a one bedroom
apartment in the "flats". We had no money and no car, therefore nowhere we could go to
swim. On hot days the best we could do was to sit in the creek to cool off. I don't believe I
had ever swam in Cayuga Lake until I moved back to Ithaca after college.
By renting out 2 bedrooms in my home (initially to locals, and now through Airbnb) I have
been able to pay my mortgage, put my daughter through college, and treat myself to a 2
week rental on Cayuga Lake every summer when my daughter comes home to visit.
It's the perfect "stay-cation" because she can see her old friends, people can bring their
boats by, it's relaxing & beautiful, and we don't have to travel. And I know other locals do
the same.
Given the difficulty of accessing the lake otherwise (packing up supplies, coordinating
meet-up times, driving time, parking fees, crowds, etc) I strongly believe that the
availability of lake front rentals should not be restricted. EVERYONE deserves some time
on the lake!
Jyl Dowd
From: Paulette Rosa
Sent: Friday, December 11, 2020 8:34 AM
To: Becky Jordan Bill Goodman; brock@claritY connect.com; Daniel
Thaete; Donna Shaw; Eric Levine;Joe Slater;John Little;Judy Drake,
Marty Moseley: Mike Solvig; Pam Bleiwas; Pat Leary.; Paulette Rosa;
Rich DePaolo; Rich Tenkate; Rod Howe (rhowe @town.ithaca.ny.us).;
Susan Ritter;TeeAnn Hunter
Subject- FW- Short Term Rentals on the Lake
From:Sheila Snyder<shei1asnyder857@yahoo.com>
Sent:Thursday, December 10, 2020 8-02 PM
To. Paulette Rosa <PRosa@townJthaca.nY.us
>
Subject-Short Term Rentals on the Lake
Hi Paulette,
When I phored tothe Town of lthaca,to find out who I should send my letter to about the upcoming
meeting with the STR on the agenda, the person told me to send my letter to you. Would you
please forward this to the appropriate person and let me know that it was forwarded please? I
would hate to think of all the time spent on writing this went to waste as well as my stress of the
situation).Thank you.
We are writing about the proposed legislation to restrict Airbnb rentals to less than 30 days
per year applying to lakeside rentals. We own a couple, adjacent single dwellings on
Cayuga Lake. Sheila retired in June of this year. We launched the Airbnb in our southern-
most Cottage,just south of ours, at 855 Taughannock Blvd. We have had this property
since 1983. We turned it into a yearly rental in 1990. Through the years, taxes, water bills,
garbage fees, insurance and upkeep have grown faster than rental income. Last year it
became about equal what we spent out and what we were able to take in. This is when we
chose and planned to open an Airbnb. We have heavily invested in furnishings for the
Airbnb ($15,000). When it was successful,, A[ retired in November, (last month). Our plan
was to use the income for our health insurancc. Our premiums are $2800 per month. How
do you expect us to pay for that? Should we go without health insurance? If the town of
Ithaca goes ahead with the proposal it takes some of our livelihood away.
We want you to know that we have reached out to our neighbor, Marian Muniford who
lives next door to the Airbnb and checked to make sure our Airbnb guests have not
bothered them. She has our number to call should any issues arise. We were assured the
guests have all been wonderful.
In the past, we have had some students who have rented the house when. it was a yearly
rental. They were not always good neighbors. Should our lakeside dwelling become
subjected to a 30 day STIR limitation, we would be going back to a yearly rental.
When a home is turned into an Al*rbnb, there is a level of expectation of'quality. We took
much care to make the house and the property look nice for curb appeal. Isn"t that what the
town wants?
We calculated that$800 occupancy tax was paid to the town from our Airbnb, for the 6
months it has been open. This would be lost revenues for the town if the proposal passes.
When Sheila went down to the welcome center when we were preparing for the Airbnb,
they told her that was one of the biggest requests they have is for rentals on the lake. My
Guests come and experience the lake. They can't do that from any area hotel. They take
out the kayaks and canoes. They swim with the ducks. They watch the bald eagle, ospreys
and other wi.ldlife here. They have campfires; they roast s'mores with their kids. Closing
down a lakeside Airbnb when it is considered a high demand item does not seem to be a
good decision.
At the end of each stay, we sort their garbage and recyclables. Almost all of the guests had
been getting takeout food from area restaurants, visiting the local parks, visiting the
commons!, and buying products from our local wineries and breweries. We provide a list of
local points of interests,, restaurants and stores. One family took tennis lessons while they
were here. Our guests came from down state, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and were here to
experience the Fingerlakes as tourists. They were looking to be on one of the lakes. Had
our lake property not been available to them, they would not have rented from an Ithaca
hotel, but instead gone further up the lake or to another lake; spending their money
elsewhere. The lakeside rentals are really the only option to experience Cayuga Lake (there
are no hotels on Cayuga Lake like Seneca Lake has in Watkins Glen and Geneva). It seems
if the town of Ithaca passes the STD to 30 days per year and include the lakeside rentals, it
could have significant affects on local tourism (essentially they would shut down
completely and convert over to long term rentals, except for maybe the people who rent
out on the Graduation weekends).
After some investigation, we discovered that this proposal is driven from issues/complaints
from Airbnbs established in Cayuga Heights neighborhoods. Lakeside housing
"neighborhoods"are nothing like the residential neighborhoods of Cayuga Heights.
Regarding any issues/coi-nplaints., the town should address them as they happen, enforcing
the ordinances and laws that already exist.
We recommend that the town board allow lakeside home owners to continue to provide a
much needed service to the community that is not met by any other means (unlike the
housing provided in residential neighborhoods like Cayuga Heights). This will also allow
lake home owners the ability to cam retirement and supplemental income as planned.
Sheila and Al Snyder
Lake Residents Since 1983
From: Bill Goodman
Sent: Tuesday, January E� 3OJl232PM
To: Pat Leary; TeeAnn Hunter; Rich DePaolo
Cc: Paulette Rosa- Susan Ritter- Marty MoseLey
Subject: FW: Short-term rental meeting
Attachments: 5TR|etter 2O2I O1O5-docx
Bill Goodman
Deputy Supervisor, Town ofIthaca
ZI5 North T]ogaStreet
|thaca' NY 14850
607'592'6745, ce||
Frorn: E|aina M. Mc[artney<e|aina.mccartney@pcorneU.edu»
Sent:Tuesday, January 5' 2OZllZ:58PIVI
To: Bill Goodman <BGood man @tovvn.ithaca.ny.us>
Subject: Short-term rental meeting
Hi Bill)
Asa |ong'time \ahesideresident, |'veattacheda |ettervvithmy1houghisonthe |akesideshort-
term rental issues. I look forward to attending the zoom meeting on Monday, January 11. Feel free
to share this letter. Thanks for your attention to our concerns.
Best wishes,
ElainaK4cCartney
607-339'9940
From: Ilia Slotnick
Sent: Wednesday,November 4,2020 8:43 PIVI
To: Rod Howe;Bill Qoodman;Pam Bleiwas;TeeAnn Hunter;Eric Levi;Pat Leary.;Paulette RQ$a Marty Moseley;Su5an
Ritter Rich DePaolo:macanann Maralygedid;Larr --y;luisa macanAnny Barbara Ko5lowski Richard Newellaod-_y, _y Blume
Inez Vermaas;kwsS,@Lornell.edu
Subject: Fwd:Short Term Rentals
Dear Rich,
Thank you for your September 14 email response to a few points in our email of the same date.We look forward to hearing responses to the rest of
our September 14 email as well as our September 8 email from the entire STR committee.
Most of your September 14 comments were addressed by the response sent from our group on October 20,2020,
Below are a few additional comments(your words in blue}:
"To your main metric of the"success"of the Cayuga Heights ordinance...our proposals would also foreclose on the practice of people"buying up
residences and using them exclusively as STRs."
This is NOT our main metric of success of the Cayuga Heights ordinance,though it is definitely a part of it. "Success"is that both residents and hosts
reach a working compromise on the number of days allowed,which in Cayuga Heights is 14 days for unhosted rentals OR 28 days for hosted rentals(a
maximum of 28 days per year). As we have stated previously,it seems logical and sensible for the Town to implement this two year proven day limit
for residential areas in the Town.The situation could then be reassessed after an initial period.As previously stated,there are multiple factors that
justify a scaled approach to different areas in the Town of Ithaca based on the characteristics of the neighborhood. The STR committee has been
discussing allowing more days for properties in less densely packed areas of the Town.Conversely,for areas with density and topographic constraints
it seems that the 14/28 day limit would be a good starting point.
Also important is as Linda Woodard said"When there have been complaints from residents,we have a law we can enforce beyond just a noise
complaint and have used it a number of times." "Success"is laws that can be readily applied and enforced and that do not rely on neighbors'
complaints to monitor compliance.Also essential are serious consequences that are consistently and uniformly imposed for those who do not follow
the laws.
"it would seem,simply based on the relatively low number of complaints,that the practice is not considered objectionable in the vast majority of
occurrences"
Equating the number of complaints with whether STRs are objectionable is not a valid comparison.Many people are extremely hesitant to complain
due to the risk of angering neighbors.Others are not aware of what a STR is or that they are operating in their neighborhood.Many residents probably
have no idea that they could complain about them,or who they would even complain to. A much more accurate method of assessing how people feel
about the presence(or future presence)of STRs in their neighborhood would be through a survey.
Also,as stated previously,the majority of Town residents are not aware that STIR legislation is being discussed or the implications of allowing them in
their neighborhoods,so are not as vocal as those who are actively benefiting from operating them.
We also wanted to address the comment directed at our neighborhood from Carolyn Greenwald(her words below in red)at the end of the last STR
meeting on September 14th:
"Focusing on the number of days is not focusing on the problems in the neighborhood. Enforcing parking and noise would solve 90%of problems that
they are having."
The problems we have experienced are not limited to parking and noise. As we described in the past,increased traffic,damage to neighbors'
property,and a complete change in the character of the neighborhood resulting in a decrease in our quality of life are some of the other negatives.
For most of these issues,the only way to lessen their negative impact is by limiting the number of days allowed.
Thank you for considering these thoughts,suggestions,and concerns.
is
On Mon,14 Sep 2020 at 13:52,Rich DL-Paolo<RDePao1o@town.ithac.a.nV.us>wrote:
mia-
Whether you agree with it or not,residential rentals of any shape or form are considered a residential use and,as such,are in full compliance with
our CURRENT zoning. That IS the opinion of the Town Attorney, We are now endeavoring to regulate a use that is currently ALLOWED- We have
limited enforcement tools available in the current construct,including occupancy(related to our definition of"family")and prohibitions against
certain"nuisances"like noise. Under our current zoning,the fact that people operate rentals as a"business"is immaterial. We are attempting to
address that. I find it curious that you would be pushing back on a proposed 29-day limit on unhosted rentals,considering that there is no limit at
all imposed by current zoning,
To your main metric of the"success"of t h e Cayuga Heights ordinance,.,our proposals would also foreclose on the practice of people"buying up
residences and using them exclusively as STRs-" We have a principal-residence requirement in most zones,including yours,with an adjacent
property exception under consideration.
Reportedly,there are over 350 hosts in the Town of Ithaca. While there are certainly issues related to STRs,,it would seem,simply based on the
relatively low number of complaints,that the practice is not considered objectionable in the vast majority of occurrences. That said,a balancing
test must be applied to try to address the needs and concerns of all stakeholders.
Thank you for your continued engagement.
Rich
On Sep 14,2020,at 7,47 AM,Mia 5[otnick<rnjslotnickl23 grnail,com>wrote:
Dear Rich.
Thank you for your email.Although our letter was a collective effort written by the 8 people who signed it and was based on notes
that were taken during several Short Term Rental meetings,since you directed your clarifications to me,I will respond for the group.
Point 4.Contrary to your opinion with respect to Cayuga Heights that"it has NOT worked",and in line with our understanding that it is
working well,Linda Woodard,the Mayor of Cayuga Heights informed us that the laws they have in place have been successful. When
asked last week how she felt the STR legislation in Cayuga Heights was working she responded:
"I think we have been successful. We have kept people from buying up residences and using them exclusively as stirs.When there
have been complaints from residents,we have a law we can enforce beyond just a noise complaint and have used it a number of
times. Our residents view their houses as their homes,not businesses.
The biggest issue is making sure all abide by our laws. Airbnb continues to make that a challenge. We don't have the
administrative resources or sophisticated software to monitor compliance.That is why I am so encouraged by the county willing to
pay for the basic service and hope the Town of Ithaca will pass their laws soon,so we can partner with them to know who is
renting out their homes and for how long. With that information we can be proactive about compliance. Cayuga Heights is a small
village;word gets around.
My best suggestion for you is to keep things simple. Much easier for residents to understand and less problems with
enforcement."
Cayuga Heights has had a successfully working model for STR regulation In operation for over 2 years.It would seem logical and
sensible for the Town to implement this proven plan for residential areas in the Town.The situation could then be reassessed after an
initial period.
Point 1.The following are your words from the August 10 STR meeting(please check your own meeting minutes for confirmation):
"My recollection is that we paid some attention to information from Tom Knipe...Supplemental income versus a business...Tom said
80-90 days."
As stated in our previous letter,Tom clarified that this number only pertains to the specific situation of a 2 bedroom unit.It does not
pertain to all size properties or properties in different neighborhoods. Therefore,it should not be used as a"point at which a potential
STIR business becomes more lucrative than a long-term rental of the same unit"since it only applies to the specific situation that Tom
had estimated it for.
Point 2. We all know the definition of a STR as being a rental of less than 30 days.However,the number of days allowed within this 29
days maximum is what is being questioned. Cayuga Heights settled on 14 days of unhosted rentals because that number included all
the major Cornell,Ithaca College,and area events that necessitate increased housing.The number of days allowed should reflect the
wishes of those who want to engage in STRs and those residents who do not.14-15 days seems a fair starting point between the
maximum(30)and minimum(0)days.
Your opinion of considering one method of allowing more days for certain areas more"arbitrary"than another is simply that—your
own opinion. As previously stated,there are multiple factors that justify a scaled approach to different areas in the Town of Ithaca
based on the characteristics of the neighborhood. An overlay zone in both Renwick Heights and Forest Home would be easy to
delineate and implement.
Your labelling of residents who are concerned about STRs as"half a dozen folks from Renwick Heights,yourself included" is
inaccurate. We presented the Board with a petition opposing STRs signed by 17 Renwick Heights residents in September of 2016. Our
concerns are shared by at least 11 forest Home residents(see their 11/27/18 letter to the STM committee)as well as members of the
Ithaca Bed and Breakfast Association. We have attended nearly every relevant meeting and been seriously engaged with the STR
committee for 4 years,bringing forth many examples of our grievances as well as many suggestions for the legislation.It is also well
worth noting that the majority of Town residents are not aware that STR legislation is being discussed or the implications of allowing
them,so are not as vocal as those who are actively benefiting from operating them.
Point 5.The reason we brought this to your attention has nothing to do with STRs or LTRs.It was meant to illustrate how difficult it will
be to use neighbor complaints as part of the regulation process,especially in regards to proof of occupancy.As stated previously,
complaint driven enforcement will not work and will create major conflict between neighbors. Increasing the number of enforcement
personnel to adequately monitor and enforce regulations is more likely to be successful.
Additionally,the Town is aware that the Owner of 420 Renwick Heights Road lied to the Town about her intentions for the property,
The Owner reported that she was no longer renting it out and that she was living there herself.She requested to have her long term
rental permit rescinded.She then moved back out of the state and continued to rent the house out to both long and short term
tenants,which is what she has been doing for over two years without the harne ever undergoing an inspection. Surely there should
be consequences for this Owner's blatant dishonesty and deception.
Refer to Town Codes 207-2 and 207-4,Operating Permit Required and Penalties,respectively.
Point 6.Figures for the income potential of STR properties have been mentioned multiple times in the past by STR committee
members when discussing proposed costs of permitting fees.
Point 7. From our experience in our own neighborhood,being a hosted rental versus an unhosted rental has no effect on increased
traffic,parking issues,damage to neighbors'properties,degradation of the character of a neighborhood and relationships between
neighbors.
A fin a I corn m e nt is in order.It is clear from the existing Town Code,Article IX,2 70-65,'Purpose',that the M D R is intended'almost
exclusively'for residential purposes and minimal Intrusion by commercial activities.Further there exists in the Code clear wording to
discourage traditional B&Bs in MDRs.Yes we are aware of the very thin distinction between B&B's and STR`s-but they are both
unsupervised mini-hotels for transients in neighborhoods not zoned for them,Yet you are in effect through this proposed legislation
adding a new and never intended purpose in our zone-all to suit a subset of your constituents engaged in a commercial activity.This is
rezoning by a ny other name and we raise the question as to whether this is the correct process.We would be interested to see a
written opinion from the Town's Attorney.
Sincerely,
is Slotnick,Kenneth Simpson,Mike MacAnanny,Lulsa MacAnanny,Barbara Koslowski,Richard Boyd,Maralyn Enid,and Larry Blume
rom.-Rich DePaollo<RDePaolLo(a-_)town.ithaca.ny.us>
Date:Tue, 8 Sep 2020 at 10:11
Subject: Re- Short Term Rentals
To: Mia Slotnick<mislo,tnick123@gmaiI.com>
Cc:Rod Howe<RHowe etc wnJthaca.ny -thaca.ny.g iwas
u_a>,Bill Goodman<bgoodrnanAtown.1 ___$>,Pam Ble
<.PQIeiwaa@townJthaca.ny.us>,Tee Ann Hunter<THunter(a-).town.ithaca.ny.us>, Eric Levine<eLev1neC@town.ithaca.ny.us>,
Pat Leary<Elea ry,@town.ithaca-ny,up, Paulette Rosa<PRosa(C-b_town.ithacanyus>, Marty Moseley
<.MMoseleY@townJthaca. Y,,._us>,Susan Ritter<sritter@town.ithaca.ny.us>
Mia-
Thank you for sharing your opinions. Many of your conclusions are erroneous. Please allow me to clarify,where I can.
Regards,
Rich
On Sep 8,202 0,at 8:07 AM,M i a Slotn ick<a)j slotn ick 1 23@g m ai 1.com>wrote:
Dear Supervisor Howe, Deputy Supervisor Goodman,Town Board members,and others involved in Short Term
Rental legislation,
Below are several points about topics discussed at the August 1 Oth Short Term Rental committee meeting.
1.80-90 days was mentioned as a number that was taken from Tom Knipe's calculations,and was described at the
August 1 Oth meeting as being the difference between"supplemental income versus a business". In recent
communication with Tom Knipe, he clarified that this number was an estimate of the average daily rate on Airbnb
for a 2 BR unit compared to what a landlord could raise in 12 months of rent for an average 2 BR unit. He went on
to state that the data also shows that some units(being rented as short term rentals)are pulling in many times
what they could achieve on a long term lease.
This 80-90 day estimated figure only applies to this specific situation in relation to long term rentals, and should not
be used as a blanket"acceptable day limit". It may not apply to larger or smaller properties,or properties in all
areas of Ithaca.It should not be used as an acceptable figure for all concerns since it was generated to address
only the specific concern about housing being taken out of the long term rental stock. Allowing 80-90 nights of
STRs in our neighborhood would dramatically and negatively change the character of our neighborhood.
The committee is and has been aware that the 80-190 days cited by Tom Knipe was what he determined to be the the point at
which,a potential STR business becomes more lucrative than a long-term rental of the same unit. The committee never used
that figure to delineate between what would be considered"supplemental income versus a business." We are more
concerned that STR allowances don't incentivize removing long-term housing stock from the market.
2.A limit of 29 days for unhosted rentals has been proposed,though there has never been an explanation for how
this figure was chosen.Bill Goodman mentioned that Brent Katzman,a local realtor and Airbnb host had discussed
with him that he lives on a large lot,and would like to be allowed to rent for more than 29 days. Bill said that after
this discussion,he felt in certain circumstances that the day limit could be greater--maybe 90-120 days since being
on a larger lot will not impact the neighbors so much.
Why is it that despite numerous residents repeatedly expressing concern about allowing up to 29 days,there has
been no discussion or flexibility in decreasing that number,yet the number of days allowed may potentially be
increased after a request from one individual?We have been told that special exceptions cannot be made for
specific neighborhoods,yet exceptions to increase the number of days are being considered on an individual
property basis. This seems both arbitrary and capricious.
The 29-day figure has been explained many times. It is derived from the 2010 amendment to New York Multiple Dwellings
Law,section(8)(a)which essentially defines anything less than a rental of"thirty consecutive days"as short-term. To answer
your second question,the balancing test to determine the number of allowable rental days is largely being determined by our
desire to not erode long-term housing stock,and incidents of nuisance,which are largely complaint driven. In the example
you cite,it is assumed that rentals on a large parcel with faraway neighbors would not pose as great a nuisance risk. The
geometric parameters needed to apply for more days would apply zone-wide,and,as such,would certainly not be considered
"arbitrary, whereas the"neighborhood-specific"solution you allude to would require that different areas under the same Town
zoning classification be treated differently,a much more arbitrary solution,requiring overlay zones and multiple justifying
criteria.
And,to be perfectly frank,"numerous residents repeatedly expressing concern,"has basically been half a dozen folks from
Renwick Heights,yourself included. This is a balancing test between people who perceive a threat from a particular use,and
residents who don't and/or who derive a benefit from it.
3. The proposal of having a"threshold"of less than 14 days where no permit or regulations are imposed is
unnecessary and will likely cause major problems including parking issues, large parties,noise,and increased
traffic,which all lead to degradation of the character of neighborhoods where those 7 weekends of
unregulated rentals occur.
All units would require permits. The issue was whether or not to require inspections of properties only being rented less than
a certain number of days.
4,The Cayuga Heights STR regulations have been in place and working for almost 3 years. As Linda Woodard
described it, keeping it simple and consistent is the key. It makes sense to start with a limited number of days as
they have done(14 unhosted or 28 hosted),and require that all properties obtain an operating permit and follow
the same rules.This has so far proved a successful compromise for both hosts and residents.
Linda Woodard has also described that Cayuga Heights has not been successful at regulating its rentals, regardless of the
number of allowable days in their law. In short, it has NOT worked,which is why she is seeking to collaborate with other
municipalities and the County on enforcement.
5. It has been proposed that enforcement will be partly"complaint driven". A recent example of how this will be
problematic is the home at 20 Renwick Heights Road.The owner told the Town her home was owner occupied and
no longer being rented.Several neighbors noticed that the owner had moved out of the property on July 6,and that
a family of 4 moved into the property on July 7. For over 6 weeks the owner had not been seen,and the family of 4
had been seen living in the house,yet the Town Code Enforcement officer did not feel that there was enough
"proof'to conclude that the owner was no longer living there and that a family of 4 was living there. We
appreciate that he did come back for a second site visit,and then concluded that the neighbors'observations were
correct. Drawing from this experience,it seems unlikely that a neighbor's complaint about a host not living in the
property for a 1 or 2 day hosted STR stay could be adequately proven.Complaint driven enforcement will not work
and will create major conflict between neighbors. Increasing the number of enforcement personnel to adequately
monitor and enforce regulations is more likely to be successful.
The example you cite above,where a family of 4 moves in for 6 weeks,is not considered a short-term rental and would be
totally legal under any proposed regulatory scenario.
6.The cost of the operating permit should cover all costs, including the increased number of personnel which
adequate monitoring and enforcement will necessitate.As Linda Woodard mentioned,people can make
$3000-$4000 in one weekend,so the cost of the permit should also take the income potential into consideration.
Towns can not take into consideration the profit-making potential of a use when determining fees to cover the administration of
laws associated with it. Any enforcement and personnel costs associated with STR would be recouped by permit fees. The
level of enforcement will be driven by compliance issues,not by the economics of the rental economy.
7. Hosted rentals were mentioned as not being a problem because"if the host is there on the property,they can tell
their guests to be quiet if they are having a party". However,as brought up previously,noise from a party is only
one neighborhood concern from renters. Other concerns are increased traffic, parking issues,damage to
neighbors'property,and degradation in the character of a residential neighborhood and relationships between
neighbors.These negative impacts do not disappear if the rental is hosted,so the number of days allowed for
both unhosted and hosted rentals should be limited.
Another issue with hosted rentals is that we have observed in our neighborhood that the host has learned to heave
their car in plain site on the premises to give the impression that the home is currently hosted,whereas the owner
has actually left in another vehicle and the unit is really unhosted.This practice may be curtailed by advising hosts
that random and regular visits to the home by Town code enforcement personnel are part of the STR regulating
process.Again,this would necessitate further funds,which could be generated from permitting fees.
The perceived advantages of having a host on the property have never been limited to"parties"or"noise," The committee
has considered the benefit to be more comprehensive,and has assumed that oversight by the owner would also be more
effective at curtailing the other nuisances you cite.
Mia Slotnick<mjs1otnick123,@ mail-com> Tire,8 Sep,08:07
to Rod,Bill,Parr,TeeAnn,Eric,Rich,Pat,Paulette,Marty,Susan,
bcc:me
Dear Supervisor Howe,Deputy Supervisor Goodman,Town Board members.and others involved in Short Term Rental
legislation,
Below are several points about topics discussed at the August 1 Oth Short Term Rental committee meeting.
1.80-90 days was mentioned as a number that was taken from Tom Knipe's calculations,and was described at the
August 10th meeting as being the difference between"supplemental income versus a business". Inirecent
communication with Tom Knipe, he clarified that this number was an estimate of the average daily rate on Airbnb for a 2
BR unit compared to what a landlord could raise in 12 months of rent for an average 2 BR unit.He went on to state that
the data also shows that some units(being rented as short term rentals)are pulling in many times what they could
achieve on a long term lease.
This 80-90 day estimated figure only applies to this specific situation in relation to long term rentals,and should not be
used as a blanket"acceptable day limit". It may not apply to larger or smaller properties,or properties in all areas of
Ithaca. It should not be used as an acceptable figure for all concerns since it was generated to address only the specific
concern about housing being taken out of the long term rental stock. Allowing 80-90 nights of STRs in our neighborhood
would dramatically and negatively change the character of our neighborhood.
2.A limit of 29 days for unhosted rentals has been proposed,though there has never been an explanation for how this
figure was chosen.Bill Goodman mentioned that Brent Katzman,a local realtor and Airbnb host had discussed with him
that he lives on a large lot,and would like to be allowed to rent for more than 29 days. Bill said that after this discussion,
he felt in certain circumstances that the day limit could be greater--maybe 90-120 days since being on a larger lot will not
impact the neighbors so much.
Why is it that despite numerous residents repeatedly expressing concern about allowing up to 29 days,there has been no
discussion or flexibility in decreasing that number,yet the number of days allowed may potentially be increased after a
request from one individual?We have been told that special exceptions cannot be made for specific neighborhoods.,yet
exceptions to increase the number of days are being considered on an individual property basis. This seems both
arbitrary and capricious.
3. The proposal of having a"threshold"of less than 14 days where no permit or regulations are imposed is unnecessary
and will likely cause major problems including parking issues,large parties,noise,and increased traffic,which all lead to
degradation of the character of neighborhoods where those 7 weekends of unregulated rentals occur.
4.The Cayuga Heights STR regulations have been in place and working for almost 3 years. As Linda Woodard
described it, keeping it simple and consistent is the key. It makes sense to start with a limited number of days as they
have done(14 unhosted or 28 hosted),and require that all properties obtain an operating permit and follow the same
rules.This has so far proved a successful compromise for both hosts and residents.
5. It has been proposed that enforcement will be partly"complaint driven". A recent example of how this will be
problematic is the home at 20 Renwick Heights Road.The owner told the Town her home was owner occupied and no
longer being rented.Several neighbors noticed that the owner had moved out of the property on July 6,and that a family
of 4 moved into the property on July 7. For over 6 weeks the owner had not been seen,and the family of 4 had been seen
living in the house,yet the Town Code Enforcement officer did not feel that there was enough"proof'to conclude that the
owner was no longer living there and that a family of 4 was living there. We appreciate that he did come back for a
second site visit,and then concluded that the neighbors'observations were correct. Drawing from this-experience,it
seems unlikely that a neighbor's complaint about a host not living in the property for a 1 or 2 day hosted STR stay could
be adequately proven.Complaint driven enforcement will not work and will create major conflict between neighbors.
Increasing the number of enforcement personnel to adequately monitor and enforce regulations is more likely to be
successful.
6.The cost of the operating permit should cover all costs, including the increased number of personnel which adequate
monitoring and enforcement will necessitate.As Linda Woodard mentioned, people can make$3000-S4000 in one
weekend,so the cost of the permit should also take the income potential into consideration,
7. Hosted rentals were mentioned as not being a problem because"if the host is there on the property,they can tell their
guests to be quiet if they are having a party".However,as brought up previously,noise from a party is only one
neighborhood concern from renters. Other concerns are increased traffic,parking issues,damage to neighbors'property,
and degradation in the character of a residential neighborhood and relationships between neighbors.These negative
impacts do not disappear if the rental is hosted,so the number of days allowed for both unhosted and hosted rentals
should be limited.
Another issue with hosted rentals is that we have observed in our neighborhood that the host has learned to leave their
car in plain site on the premises to give the impression that the home is currently hosted,whereas the owner has actually
left in another vehicle and the unit is really unhosted.This practice may be curtailed by advising hosts that random and
regular visits to,the home by Town code enforcement personnel are part of the STR regulating process.Again,this would
necessitate further funds,which could be generated from permitting fees.
Thank you for considering these points.
Sincerely,
The Renwick leighbors Group
is Slotnick, Kenneth Simpson, Mike Macananny,Luisa Macananny,Maralyn Edid, Larry Blume, Barbara Koslowski,and
Richard Boyd
From: JfS.SEAVER
Sent: Friday,January 8' ZO212-22PM
/o: Paulette Rosa�
Subject: Group Letter toSTRCommitee RE: Short Term Rental Lakefront
Attachments: Lakefront Rental Restrictions Group Letter with signatmres.odf
Hello Bill and Pau|ettel
Please see attached group letter signed by 27 lakefront owners to be shared with the STR
Committee members prior toMonday^smeeting.
We still have more signatures coming inbut wanted to get this into your hands prior toMonday.
We have found in talking to our neighbors that there are a great many who had no idea that the
Lakefront was to be included in potential restrictive legislation. Trying to get everyone in the loop!
Thanks so much for your help!
Best,
Jes
_
Jes Seaver
Associate Real Estate Broker
cell: 607-35118737
office: 607.32K0=5261
email: j
Warren Real Estate of Ithaca
830 Hansha»» Road
Ithaca, 0YI485O
From: kylevandermark
Sent: Monday, December 2l. 2O2O6/47PM
/o: Paulette 1o{a.
Subject: Ithaca Short Term Rentals
To whom it may concern,
Goodafternoom' | havejustheemcontactedaboutshortterrnrenta|sbeingproposedtoshutdovvn
in Ithaca. |just wanted to say that this summer,, my friends and U staved at an airbnb in Ithaca,
specifically Q557aughannock Blvd Ithaca NYl4O5O USA hosted by Sheila Snyder VVe can't say
enough great things about our stay and how hospitable she and her husband were. But along with
the occupancy fees that the town would be losing from shutting down the airbnb, they'd also be
depriving local shops' restaurants and grocery stores of valuable business. \ know for a fact that
myfri ends and | vvhoon|y stayed for abouta wee kspentat lea st$7DOoc groceries.Wea|so
ordered takeout or went to restaurants (if applicable, covid restrictions)for breakfast lunch and
dinner for every day we were there' and we had at least S people at any given time so that's
another$2500 easy for the week.And of course visitors will make it to the local stores at Ithaca
Commons, | know | spent over$Z5Oot Mansour Jewelers alone. I'd say vve spent about$l2OOon
nonfood shopping during our time there. I don't know if a simple email will do anything to affect
the decision, but | believe that keeping a steady flow of short term rentals isbenefittingIthaca
way more than realized. I know when I'm looking for a weekend trip or a quick getaway, I'm
looking for airbnb over hotel every single time. There's absolutely no comparison. If |'m looking
for a place to visit and there's no short term rentals, then, I'd look for another area that offers
them before searching for hotels. We had plans to go visit the wineries in the spring with hopes of
going back to the airbnb we stayed at this summer. 1 can honestly say that the living situation
made the experience so much better for my friends and 1. 1 just needed to speak my opinion about
this news, because it really upset me when I found out that the short term rent�ls might be going
by the wayside. Thank you for your time.
Ky|eVandermnark
From: Benjamin Weiner
Sent: Sunday,January lO 20211:38PM
/o: Paulette Ro{a.
Subject: Lakefront rental restrictions
Hello Mrs. Rosa.,
My name is Ben Weiner and I am a property owner at 847 Taughannock Blvd in the Town of Ithaca. |wes
recently made aware of Town Board push to increase some rental restrictions on the lakefront. | have
owned and rented here since 1995 and I am vehemently opposed to any restrictions that will limit my ability
to rent.
The rents that| have gotten over the years have allowed me to afford the high taxes, insurances' upkeep,
and my mortgage so that I can continue to own and enjoy this property. I currently live here full time
(although that has varied over the years),and I hope to own this property for the rest of my life and pass it
onto my child. It is a special place that | love.
I do my best to rent to lake lovers, not loud weekend party people,and I have never had a problem with my
neighbors about this. Although I understand the noise and community issues that other neighborhoods
mav have concernsa bout,the verynatureof the |akefrontand the fact that rny neigh borsaresepa rated bv
space and ravines' makes it a very different rental environment. The|ehe has,a historical attraction as a
tourist destination too,which bring much needed tourist dollars to Ithaca in a hundred other ways.
Without the ability to rent as | see fit' |fear the expenses may force me out, and that seems particularly
unfair from a legislative perspective.
I hope you can forward my perspective to the entire board and put it into the record.
Many thanks,
Ben Weiner
From: Greg Butler
Sent: Monday, August 9' 20215x43PM
/o: ���J��I�������]e_R�a
Cc: jrde|ar]a@gmaiLcom; g g.@
gmai{JZ]m;
QmXi1.coUm
Subject. Letter re Proposed Draft Short-Term Rental Regulation
Attachments: Signed Letter toSTR Committee-August 9, 2O2l.pdf
Good afternoon Bill,
I was grateful for the opportunity to share my thoughts on the proposed regulation today and
appreciate the thoughtfulness and care with which the committee is attempting to balance many
difficult policy and values questions.
Please see the attached letter to the STR committee that summarizes the points | made today.
Best,
From: Carolyn Greenwald
Sent: Thursday, December 1l2O2Ol:l3PK4
/o: Becky Jordan; ood ma n
Subject: Letter to STIR Committee and Town of Ithaca Board
Attachments: STR]tc22.10.20.mdf; emaii11.14.19.png
Kindly distribute the attached letter and accompanying attached email (labeled email.11.14.19) to
the STIR committee and the Town Board.
Best re8onds'
From:
Sent: Tuesday,January S, 2O2ll:4OAM
/o: Becky JoIda2 Paulette Rosa
Cc: J R; g1Butler
Subject- Perspective on Ithaca Lakefront Short Term Rentals
Attachments: Letter re Short-Term Rental Regu|ation_signed.pdf
Dear Bill and Becky,
Happy New Year!
Ahead of the upcoming Town STR meeting, my friend and co-owner of lakefront property Joshua
DeLara and I wanted to express our perspective on the recent STIR discussions surrounding
lakefront properties.
Please find attached our letter.
Best Regards,
NathaUeLouge and]RDeLara
From: & ia Slltnick`
Sent: Monday, August 9' 20212:06PM
To: Rod JHowe;fRich]]e]Paolo; Bill.
Goodman; Paulette Rosa
Subject: question about STR draft
We have a question about the latest draft of the STR proposed laws.
At the July 22rd STR meeting,the committee discussed the number of permits per parcel. Rich,
said it would be hard to keep track if Hosts were bouncing between 2 units on 1 parcel.Also said it
would be difficult to know |f the units were rented concurrently. Marty agreed and said the
County cannot verify which unit is being rented out, so it would be very difficult.
The final quote from Rich was : "If there are two distinct units,we should only allow one operating
permit per parcel or adjacent parcel owned by the same owner. Otherwise it will' be an
enforcement nightmare.^
We therefore do not understand why on page 2, Sec-tion E. (1) (a) it states: "each such dwelling
unit must have its own operating, permit, even if more than one such dwelling unit is on the same
tax pan:e|." |s our understanding incorrect about the decision to limit the operating permits toone
per parcel or adjacent parcel, or did this decision change?
We also noticed that the correction that was discussed about page 2 C. 4th line (where it says
"omeadjacenttaxparce|") vvasnotmade.AttheJuiyllndmeehng' theconnmiUeeagreedtm
change that to "no more than one". This makes e big difference, because without this change,
someone could have an adjacent STR unit on each side of their primary residence.
Sorry this is coming at such a late hour, but we only received a copy of the updated draft late last
night.
Thanks for clarifying for us.
K4ia and Renwick Heights neighbors
From: Pa u I ette1Rosa
Sent: Tuesday, November 24, 20205:50PM
/o: Mike MacAnanny
Subject: Re: Open Meetings Law
I'm sorry, maybe I wasn't clear... the recordings of the regular sessions is what I was talking about..
Closed or executive sessions are never recorded and would not be given out.
Paulette Rosa
Town Clerk
(]n Nov 24, 2O2O, at4:30 PM, Mike MacAnanny<macananny@gmai|.com>wrote:
Paulette-Thank you for your very comprehensive response and offer to research
whether any of the closed session recordings (and minutes) can be made public. If
they can be made public we would very much like to examine them if you can help
us to obtain them.
We may have some other points to raise with Ms. 0"Neill-thank you for providing
her contact information.
Please have a nice and safe holiday.
Mike
On Nov 24, 2O2O, at4�16 PM, Paulette Rosa
« wrote:
Good Afternoon Mike,
| just got off the phone with Kristen O'Neill from the Committee on
Open Governmemtto double check my answers to your questions.
Public Body under CjIVIL
The Short Term Rental Committee (STR), isasub'commlttee/adhoc
committee consisting of3 Board members and staff(regardless ofhow
many attend).
The STR has no authority to make any binding decisions nor were they
granted any I-egislative authority(like the Planning Board,for example)
todoso.
The STR serves asan advisory committee to the Town Board and
therefore does not fall under the definition ofa public body under
Open Meetings Law (OML)
That said,the Town does conduct many of their committee level
meetings under the same basic intent of the OML whenever possible.
The STR Chair and | have tried our best to keep your group and others
informed on the progress of the task.
Advance notice and materials
We have tried to establish a set date to aid in letting the public, and
especially your group, know when itls meeting; though not required.
We have sent out the draft legislation and materials or made them
available during the meeting whenever possible; though not required.
|n the beginning | took some simple notes but they are nolonger
taken. When they were, | made them available to you; though not
required.
Executive Session or Closed session
Again, this committee does not fall under the OML, but, even ifitdid,
the instances where they have closed the meeting to the public have
actuaU/y been done asif they were.
| can say that even when they have closed the meeting to the public,
they have followed the intent of the rules of Executive Session /Closed
session guidelines and not wavered into aspects of the topic that could
have been discussed in open meeting if they sowished.
The meetings, once they began via zoom, may or may not have been
recorded. U did not routinely record them and actually have not
attended quite afew. Recording is not needed nor required. That said,
| could look into that for you if you would like and see if the committee
wishes to release them. Again., at this level, those recordings would be
considered |ntra'Agency| and not necessarily a record that must be
made public, but that IOaybe made public.
Speaking to the Committee
The Chair has allowed/invited discussion at many committee meetings,
though not required.
Next Step
When this draft legislation |s moved out of Committee Lo the Town
Board level and scheduled tobe heard, there will bca public notice
and the draft legislation posted and any and all requirements met
under DML for that public body.
\ have included the link to the Committee on Open Government for
your convenience. Ms. O'Neill is very responsive and there isanentire
library of past opinions on every possible subject both for FOIL and
D1VIL.
https:Z/www.dos.ny.g g g/oiId,ex]]t] l
If you have any further concerns' please let me know and | will be
happy to research and respond.
Regards,
Paulette
Paulette Rosa
Town Clerk
Town ofTtbaca
215 N. TiogoSt.
ldzuua" N!/ l485O
Pb (607) 273-l72| ext ll0
.
www.town.
From: Mike K4acAnarny gDaiI.corn>
Sent: Monday, November 23, ZOZ04:45PM
To: Paulette Rosa >
Cc: Rod Howe< >
SumUect� Re: Open Meetings Law
Hello Pau/ette'
Thank you for your response.
\n looking at the OVIL, it requires advance notice to the public mf
meetings, advance posting of laws tobe discussed, and the resulting
minutes tobe published. | know you are busy and you have always
been helpful to us at the meetings by kindly providing such materials,
and we thank you. How/ever | don't think advance notices have always
been made to the public at large, laws posted )nadvaince, orminutes
made public. Perhaps these are all available to the public at the Town
Office(?) and that that is considered tobein compliance with the OML.
With regandto Executive sessions vvearepuzz led. TheOMLisfair|y
clear on what is permitted to be discussed in Executive on|y, non-public
sessions. Minutes of Executive sessions, if taken, are also to be made
public if they do not contain discussions of those non-public subjects. |
do not think discussions with counsel are automatically a reason for
Executive session- unless,the subjects are among those listed |nthe
applicable section of the Law. So | am not sure the Chairman can simply
empty the room by declaring Executive session, when no one but the
Chairman knows what topics are to be discussed (those topics
permitted by the OML).
Please comment on the above when you have a moment. Hope you
are all well and looking forward to the holidays.
Cheers,
Mike MacAnanny
On Nov 16' 2020 atlO-ZOAM, Paulette Rosa
vvove,
Hello Mr. MacAnanny,
Rod forwarded rne your question regarding Open
Meetings Law adherence. As the Town Clerk and Records
Management Officer for the Town, | amn usually the one
that deals with these types ofquestions.
The Town does follow OMLin all instances and levels of
meetings with no exceptions or interpretations unique to
the Town.
|s there a specific aspect or concern you would like an
answerto?
Sincerely,
Paulette Rosa
Paulette Rosa
Town Clerk
Town ofIthaca
215N. Tiogo 'S1.
0tbeoa, NYl405O
Ph (637) 273-l72l en1 ||3
From: MlQ SJot]ick
Sent: Monday, August 9' 2021I1:33PIVI
To: RbchUDePaobo; Yiarty
Moseley; Paulette Rosa
Subject: Re: question about STIR draft
Hi Bill.
Thanks for your email.
I have in my notes from the August 9th meeting, that the discussion about the adjacent parcel
concluded with the change from "an"to "no more than one" adjacent parcel which makes that
allowance clear.
I wDl await the resolution of the number of permits allowed per parcel and adjacent parcel owned
by the same owner at the next STRmeeting.
Thanks'
Mla
On Mon, g Aug ZO21at15:1Q' Bill Goodman >vvrote:
HiMia' | didmnakethechangefrom "an"tn "one" onpage2toaddnessthesecondissueyou
bring up. As to the first issue, my motes don't reflect a resolution to the discussion about
multiple units on one parcel so |'|| bring that up with the committee today.
Bill Goodman
Deputy Supervisor, Town ofIthaca
2I5 North TiogaStreet
Ithaca, NY 24850
607'582-6745' ce||
From: M|a S|otnick«rnjslotn������gmail~com>
Sent: Monday,August 9, 2O2l2.06PM
To:TeeAnnHunter >; Patricia Leary< ; Rod
Howe town. - Rich DePao|o<Ide ; Bill
Goodrnan< >; Marty Moseley >;
Paulette Rosa < >
Subject: question about STRdraft
We have a question about the latest draft of the STR proposed laws.
At the July ZZnd 5TR meeting, the committee discussed the number of permits per parcel. Rich
said it would be hard to keep track if Hosts were bouncing between 2 units on l parcel. Also
said it would be difficult to know lf the units were renLedconcurrently. Marty agreed and said
the County cannot verify which unit is being rented out., so it would be very difficult.
The final quote from Rich was : "|f there are two distinct units, we should only aUiovv one
operating permit per parcel or adjacent parcel owned by the same owner. Otherwise it will be
an enforcement nightmare."
We therefore do not understand why on page 2, Section E. (1) (a) it states- "each such dwelling
unit must have its own operating permit, even if more than one such dwelling unit is on the
same tax parcel." Is our understanding incorrect about the decision to limit the operating
permits to one per parcel or adjacent parcel, or did this decision change?
We also noticed that the correction that was discussed about page 2C. 4th line (where itsays
"oneadjacenttaxparce|^) wasnotmade. AttheJu|yI2ndmeeting' thecommmitteeagreedto
changcthatto ^nomorethanone^.Thismakesabigdifference, becausem/ithout this change,
someone could have anadjacent STR unit on each side of their primary residence.
Sorry this is coming at such a late hour, but vve only received acopyof the updated draft late
last night.
Thanks for clarifying for us.
Mia and Renwick Heights neighbors
From: fill Goodman
Sent: Monday, August 9' 202I3:18PK4
To: YNia Slotnicl Rod 1Howe; Rich
DePaDlo; Paulette Rosa
Subject: RE: question about STR draft
Hi Mia, I did make the change from "an," to ""one" on page 2 to address the second issue you bring
up. Aatothe first issue, my notes don't reflect resolution to the discussion about multiple units
on one parcel so I'll bring that up with the committee today.
Bill Goodman
Deputy Supervisor, Town ofIthaca
215 North Tioga Street
Ithaca, NY 14850
607'592'6745, ceU
Fncrn: K4ia 3|otnick<mjs|otnickI23@gmaiicom>
Sent: Monday, August 9, Z0212:O6PM
To:TeeAnn Hunter<thunter@tovvn.ithaca.nyus>; Patricia Leary<p|I7@corndiedu>; Rod Howe
<RHovve@tovvn.ithaca.ny.us>; Rich DePao|o <rdepao|o@tovvn.ithaca.n)/us>; Bill Goodman
<BGood man @iovvn.ithaca.ny.us>; Marty Mose|ey<MMose|ey@town.ithaca-nyus>; Paulette Rosa
<PRosa@tovvn.ithace.ny.us>
Subject. question about STRdraft
We have a question about the latest draft ofthe STIR proposed laws.
At the July 22nd STR meeting,the commit-tee discussed the number of permits per parcel. Rich
said it would be hard to keep track if Hosts were bouncing between 2 units on I parcel. Also said it
would be difficult to know if the units were rented concurrently. Marty agreed and said the
County cannot verify which unit is being rented out, so it would be very difficult.
The final quote from Rich was : "If there are two distinct units,we should only allow one operating
permit per parcel or adjacent parcel owned by the same owner. Otherwise it will be an
enforcement nightmare."
VVe therefore do not understand why on page 2, Section E. (1) (a) it states: "each such dwelling
unit must have its own operating permit, even if more than one such dwelling unit is on the same
tax parce|." |s our understanding incorrect about the decision to limit the operating permits toone
per parcel or adjacent parcel, or did this decision change?
We also noticed that the correction that was discussed about page 2 C. 4th line (where it says
"one adjacent tax parce|")was not made.At the July 22nd meeting, the committee agreed to
change that to "no more than one" This makes a big difference, because without this change,
someone could have anadjacent STR unit on each side of their primary residence.
Sorry this is coming at such a late hour, but we only received a copy of the updated draft late last
night.
Thanks for clarifying for us.
Mla and Renwick Heights neighbors
From: Rich DePaolo<RDePaolo@town,ithaca.ny.us>
Sent: Monday, December 14, 2020 11:49 AM
To: Bill Goodman
Cc: Pat Leary; TeeAnn Hunter; Paulette Rosa; Marty Moseley; Susan
Ritter
Subject: Re. Short term lake rentals
I am generally a big fan of public comment at meetings and I think it should be allowed.
Having said that it pisses me off a little that the Renwick Heights folks would escalate
their concerns about having not been given the chance to comment at the last meeting,
considering the level of involvement we have invited all along- and also considering that
we would likely not even be developing legislation were it not for their insistence.
Leading, once again, to the undeniable conclusion that no good deed goes unpunished.
Is there additional material for today's meeting, or are we working with previously issued
material?
Thanks.
> on Dec 9, 2 02 0, at 11:14 PM, B I I I Goo d m an <B Go odman gtown.ithaca.ny.us>wrote:
> Hi folks, forwarding this email I received. I have replied and explained we are not
"eliminating" STRs,just regulating, and that we will be discussing the Lakefront
Residential limits on Monday.
> One thing to think about before Monday is whether you want me to allow public
comments at the next meeting. Since I didn't allow public comments last time, some of the
Renwick Heights folks contacted our county legislators to complain about our process -
Debra Dawson called me to explain they even wanted to meet with her- I still have to call
her to see how that meeting went. They also contacted Paulette to find out about the Open
Meetings Law, and Paulette explained to them (after confirming with Albany) that we don't
have to allow public comments.
> Bill Goodman
> Deputy Supervisor, Town of Ithaca
> 215 North Tioga Street
>Ithaca, NY 14850
> 607-592-6745, cell
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Benjamin Weiner<bengwineryconnect.com>
> Sent- Tuesday, December 8, 2020 2-633 PM
> To: Bill Goodman<BGoodmangtown.1thaca.ny.us>
> Subject- Short term lake rentals
> Hello Mr Goodman,
> I am a 2-family homeowner on the west shore of the lake in the town of ithaca. I have
owned this property since 1995. 1 was recently made aware of the Town making plans to
eliminate short term rentals,, and I am complied to respond. I would also appreciate
receiving a link to join the meeting on Monday.
> Since 1995, 1 have rented my place on various levels. Sometimes year round, but most
often I rent one unit as an academic year rental, and then over the summer I rent it by the
week. As the taxes have increased over the years, I have leaned more towards these
weekly summer rentals. Over these 25 yrs, it has become very clear that the vast majority
of this income goes to simply paying the taxes. Much of the rest goes towards maintenance
which is unending on the lake.
> I will look into the history of this new proposed zoning (pis send any info you have ,but
I have always had families that come to enjoy Ithaca and the lake. I've never had a
problem with my neighbors about it. I do not understand the reasoning behind trying to
limit this right.
> Perhaps there are other problems, which I would assume are related to even shorter terms
like weekend rentals and parties, but I need to rent in these lucrative summer months in
order to pay my taxes. A complete elimination of that would likely make this place I love
so much rendered untenable and unaffordable.
> I appreciate you hearing my voice. I will share the same at the meeting on Monday.
> Sincerely,
> Ben Weiner
From: Bill Goodman
Sent: Monday, December 14, 2020 12-015 PM
To: Rich DePaolo
Cc: Pat Leary; Tee Ann Hunter; Paulette Rosa; Marty Moseley; Susan
Ritter
Subject: RE: Short term lake rentals
I feel much as you do, Rich. I believe we've given more opportunity for public input with
STR than we've given for almost any other topic in my 13 years on the Board (starting
with the visit you, Pat and I made to Mia's house oh those many years ago). And I've felt
recently that we need to do our discussions amongst ourselves first to just get clear on what
the Cmte wants to see in the draft before any more public comment would be helpful to
us. But I think allowing it today would be fine.
After lunch I'll try to get out a quick agenda as I see it- the major topic from last time is
what to do in the Lakefront Residential Zone, and the public comment might take up a
good chuck depending on how many Lakefront owners show up, since it seems that
Carolyn has contacted her neighbors. And then I'll put on the questions from Tee-Ann's
Nov. 16 email, and a question Mia asked me. So I imagine that will be a full meeting.
And I'll attach the latest draft of the law (which is still the same as a year ago) and the
spreadsheet we worked on last time, so you have those easily accessible to you.
Bill Goodman
Deputy Supervisor, Town of Ithaca
215 North Tioga Street
Ithaca., NY 14850
607-592-6745, cell
-----Original Message-----
From: Rich DePaolo <RDePaolo(&Jown.ithaca.ny.us>
Sent: Monday, December 14, 2020 11:49 AM
To: Bill Goodman <BGoodman@town.ithaca.ny.us>
Cc: Pat Leary <plearyGa)town.1thaca.ny.us>; TceAnn Hunter<thunter@town.ithaca.ny.us ;
Paulette Rosa<PRosa@town.ithaca.ny.us>; Marty Moseley
<MMoseley@townJthaca.ny.us>; Susan Ritter<SRitter@town.ithaca.ny.us>
Subject: Re: Short term lake rentals
I am generally a big fan of public comment at meetings and I think it should be allowed.
Having said that, it pisses me off a little that the Renwick Heights folks would escalate
their concerns about having not been given the chance to comment at the last meeting,
considering the level of involvement we have invited all along- and also considering that
we would likely not even be developing legislation were it not for their insistence.
Leading, once again, to the undeniable conclusion that no good deed goes unpunished.
Is there additional material for today's meeting, or are we working with previously issued
material?
Thanks.
> On Dec 9, 2020, at 11:14 PM� Bill Goodman <B Goodman @town.i thac a.ny.us -wrote:
>Hi folks., forwarding this email I received. I have replied and explained we are not
"eliminating" STRs,just regulating, and that we will be discussing the Lakefront
Residential limits on Monday.
> One thing to think about before Monday is whether you want me to allow public
comments at the next meeting. Since I didn't allow public comments last time., some of the
Renwick Heights folks contacted our county legislators to complain about our process -
Debra Dawson called me to explain they even wanted to meet with her- I still have to call
Tier to see how that meeting went. They also contacted Paulette to find out about the Open
Meetings Law, and Paulette explained to them (after confirming with Albany) that we don't
have to allow public comments.
> Bill Goodman
> Deputy Supervisor, Town of Ithaca
> 215 North Tioga Street
> Ithaca,NY 14850
> 607-592-6745, cell
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Benjamin Weiner<ben@wineryconnect.c.om>
> Sent: Tuesday, December 8, 2020 2-033 PM
> To: Bill Goodman <B Goodman@town.ithaca.ny.us>
> Subject: Short term take rentals
> Hello Mr Goodman,
> I am a 2-family homeowner on the west shore of the lake in the town of ithaca. I have
owned this property since 1995. 1 was recently made aware of the Town making plans to
eliminate short term rentals, and I am complied to respond. I would also appreciate
receiving a link to join the meeting on Monday.
> Since 1995, 1 have rented my place on various levels. Sometimes year round, but most
often I rent one unit as an academic year rental, and then over the summer I rent it by the
week. As the taxes have increased over the years, I have leaned more towards these
weekly summer rentals. Over these 25 yrs, it has become very clear that the vast majority
of this income goes to simply paying the taxes. Much of the rest goes towards maintenance
which is unending on the lake.
> I will look into the history of this new proposed zoning (p1s send any info you have), but
I have always had families that come to enjoy Ithaca and the lake. I've never had a
problem with my neighbors about it. I do not understand the reasoning behind trying to
limit this n*ght.
> Perhaps there are other problems, which I would assume are related to even shorter terms
like weekend rentals and parties,but I need to rent in these lucrative summer months in
order to pay my taxes. A complete elimination of that would likely make this place I love
so much rendered untenable and unaffordable.
> I appreciate you hearing my voice. I will share the same at the meeting on Monday.
> Sincerely,
> Ben Weiner
From: Paulette Rosa
Sent: Thursday, December 10, 2020 8:05 PM
To: Sheila Snyder
Subject: Re: Short Term Rentals on the Lake
Received and I will forward in the morning
Paulette
Paulette Rosa
Town Clerk
On Dec 10, 2020, at 8:01 PM, Sheila Snyder<sheilasnyder857@yahoo.corn>wrote-
H1 Paulette,
When I phoned tothe Town of Ithaca,to find out who I should send my letter to about the
upcoming meeting with the STR on the agenda,the person told one to send my letter to you.
Would you please forward this to the appropriate person and let me know that it was
forwarded please?I would hate to think of all the time spent on writing this went to waste as
well as any stress of the situation).Thank you.
We are writing about the proposed legislation to restrict Airbnb rentals to less
than 30 days per year applying to lakeside rentals. We own a couple, adjacent
single dwellings on Cayuga Lake. Sheila retired in June of this year. We
launched the Airbnb in our southern-most Cottage,just South of ours, at 855
Taughannock Blvd. We have had this property since 1983. We turned it into a
yearly rental in 1990. Through the years, taxes, water bills, garbage fees,
insurance and upkeep have grown faster than rental income. Last year it
became about equal what we spent out and what we were able to take in. This
is when we chose and planned to open an Airbnb. We have heavily invested in
furnishings for the Airbnb ($15,000). When it was successful, Al retired in
November, (last month). Our plan was to use the income for our health
insurance. Our premiums are $2800 per month. How do you expect us to pay
for that.? Should we go without health insurance? If the town of Ithaca goes
ahead with the proposal it takes some of our livelihood away.
We want you to know that we have reached out to our neighbor, Marian.
Mumford who lives next door to the Airbnb and checked to make sure our
Airbnb guests have not bothered them. She has our number to call should any
issues arise. We were assured the guests have all been wonderful.
In the past, we have had some students who have rented the house when it was
a yearly rental. They were not always good neighbors. Should our lakeside
dwelling become subjected to a 30 day STR limitation,, we would be going
back to a yearly rental.
When a home is turned into an Airbnb, there is a level of expectation of
quality. We took much care to make the house and the property look nice for
curb appeal. Isn't that what the town wants?
We calculated that $800 occupancy tax was paid to the town from our Airbnb,
for the 6 months it has been open. This would be lost revenues for the town if
the proposal passes. When Sheila went down to the welcome center when we
were preparing for the Airbnb, they told her that was one of the biggest
requests they have is for rentals on the lake. My Guests come and experience
the lake. They can't do that from any area hotel. They take out the kayaks and
canoes. They swim with the ducks. They watch the bald eagle, ospreys and
other wildlife here. They have campfires; they roast s'mores with their kids.
Closing down a lakeside Airbnb when it is considered a high demand item
does not seem to be a good decision.
At the end of each stay, we sort their garbage and recyclables. Almost all of
the guests had been. getting takeout food from area restaurants,, visiting the
local parks, visiting the commons, and buying products from our local
wineries and breweries. We provide a list of local points of interests,
restaurants and stores. One family took tennis lessons while they were here.
Our guests came from down state, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and were here to
experience the Fingerlakes as tourists. They were looking to be on one of the
lakes. Had our lake property not been available to them, they would not have
rented from an Ithaca hotel., but instead gone further up the lake or to another
lake; spending their money elsewhere. The lakeside rentals are really the only
option to experience Cayuga Lake (there are no hotels on Cayuga Lake like
Seneca Lake has in Watkins Glen and Geneva). It seems if the town of Ithaca
passes the STD. to 30 days per year and include the lakeside rentals, it could
have significant affects on local tourism (essentially they would shut down
completely and convert over to long term rentals, except for maybe the people
who rent out on the Graduation weekends).
After some investigation, we discovered that this proposal is driven from
issues'complaints from Airbnbs established in Cayuga Heights neighborhoods.
Lakeside housing"neighborhoods" are nothing like the residential
neighborhoods of Cayuga Heights. Regarding any issues/complaints, the town
should address them as they happen, enforcing the ordinances and laws that
already exist.
We recommend that the town board allow lakeside home owners to continue
to provide a much needed service to the community that is not met by any
other means (unlike the housing provided in residential neighborhoods like
Cayuga Heights). This will also allow lake home owners the ability to earn
retirement and supplemental income as planned.
Sheila and Al Snyder
Lake Residents Since 1983
From: Kenneth William Simpson
Sent: Tuesday, August 10, 20219-51 AM
To: Paulette Rosa
Cc: Ilia Slotnick
Subject- Re: Text of presentations at STR committee and Town Board Meetings
August 9th 2021
Hi Paulette,
If you can please rculate to all of those listed below I would be
most grateful.
Thant you,
Kenneth
Marty Moseley (code enforcement)
M Mosel ye tow n.it ha ca.ny.us
Susan Ritter (planning)
sdtter@jOyn.ithaca.ny.us
Rod Howe (Town Supervisor)
RHowQ.(q)townAtfiaca.ny.us
Bill Goodman (Deputy Town Super-visor)
bgoodiiian ,Lo%4.ln.itliaca.ny.ti-s
Pain Bet as (Board member)
Pffleiwaieq,town.ithaca.ny,�s
Ric eP :o o (Board member and STR committee member)
rdepaoloCaLtown.ithacamy.us
Eric Levine (Board mernber)
eLevine c-Aown.ithaea.ny.us
Pat Leary (Board and STR committee member)
Pleary&town.ithacamy.us
C_ —
TeeAnn Hunter (Board and STR committee member)
THunter@town.ithacamy.us
Susan Brock (town attorney)
brockCdclarityconnect.com
Kenneth Simpson
Professor of Small Animal Medicine, Cornell University
Professor of Veterinary Medicine in Medicine, WCMC
VMC2011
College of Veterinary Medicine
Cornell University
602 Tower Road
ITHACA, NY 14853
607-253-3567
kws5@cornell.edu
From: Kenneth William Simpson
Sent:Tuesday, August 10, 20219:38 AM
To: prosa @town.ithaca.ny.us <prosa@town.ithaca.ny.us>
Cc: Mia Slotnick<mjslotnick123@grnai1.com>
Subject:Text of presentations at STR committee and Town Board Meetings August 9th 2021
Dear Paulette,
I would be most grateful if you could distribute the attached text for my"from the floor
presentations" August 9th 2021 to all members of the STIR committee and the Town
Board.
Best regards
Kenneth Simpson
Professor of Small Animal Medicine, Cornell University
Professor of Veterinary Medicine in Medicine, WCMC
VMC2011
College of Veterinary Medicine
Cornell University
602 Tower Road
ITHACA, NY 148S3
607-253-35-67
kwsS@cornell.edu
From: Peggy Coleman
Sent: Wednesday, March 1l2OZl9:47AM
To: Bill Goodman
Cc: Paulette Rosa
Subject- Short Term Rentals in lakefront zone
Attachments: STR Town ofIthaca-Chamber [V8 support letter ZO2I.pdf
Good morning B\||,
Attached isa letter co-signed bv Jennifer Tavares,Tompkins Chamber President& CEO and me, in
support of no day restrictions on rentals in the lakefront zone. Lake house rentals are an important
component to the tourism economy in Tompkins County. As I included in the chat during the Short
Term Rental Committee meeting Monday evening, visitors spent$6Mon second homes/vacation
homes in Tompkins County in 2019. While I do not have the data to break out how much of this
spending occurred in the Town of Ithaca, we know that lake rentals comprise a significant portion
of that Second Home spending.
Will you please share this letter with the Short Term Rental Committee? I've copied Paulette into
this email as well. I am happy to speak with any or all committee members to answer questions,
or with either ofyou. | arm also happy to share the Tourism Economics report, if that will be helpful
to you.
Thank you for your service to the Town and for your assistance in supporting the tourism
economy.
Stay vve||,
Peggy
Peggy Coleman ) VP,Tourism and Community Relations
� Ithaca/Tompkins County Convention &VisitmrsBureau
x Division o{the Commerce
---Tompkins-------County--------~--------
t' 607.272.1313 11607.272.7617 c.607.426.0494
m� ^�
�=�m ---� 9O4E Shore Drive, Ithaca, NYI485O
JXHACA . o�q�
uest a Visitor Guide
f 1�� V+m�
The Downtown Visitor Center is open Thursday-Saturclay.The Taughannock Overlook and East Shore Drive
Visitor centers remain closed to the public, and the office is open by appointment only. For up mo'doms,b/or/
information,please gn to,1Visitithoca.coin and for business resources/n response mCOwD'79, see the Tompkins
From: Sheila Snyder
Sent: Thursday, December 10, 2020 8:02 PM
To: Paulette Rosa
Subject: Short Term Rentals on the Lake
Hi Paulette,
When I phoned tothe Town of Ithaca,to find out who I should send my letter to about the upcoming meeting
with the STIR on the agenda,the person told me to send my letter to you.Would you please forward this to
the appropriate person and let me know that it was forwarded please? I would hate to think of all the time
spent on writing this went to waste as we]I as my stress of the situation). Thank you.
We are writing about the proposed legislation to restrict Airbnb rentals to less than 30 days
per year applying to lakeside rentals. We own a couple, adjacent single dwellings on
Cayuga Lake. Sheila retired in June of this year. We launched the Alrbnb in our southern-
most Cottage,just south of ours, at 855 Taughannock Blvd. We have had this property
since 1983. We turned it into a yearly rental in 1990. Through the years, taxes, water bills,
garbage fees, insurance and upkeep have grown faster than rental income. Last year it
became about equal what we spent out and what we were able to take in. This is whets we
chose and planned to open an Airbnb. We have heavily invested in furnishings for the
Airbnb ($15,000). When it was successful, Al retired in November, (last month). Our plan
was to use the income for our health insurance. Our premiums are $2800 per month. How
do you expect us to pay for that? Should we go without health insurance? If the town of
Ithaca goes ahead with the proposal it takes some of our livelihood away.
We want you to know that we have reached out to our neighbor, Marian. MU111ford who
lives next door to the Airbnb and checked to make sure our Airbnb guests have not
bothered them. She has our number to call should any issues arise. We were assured the
guests have all been wonderful.
In the past, we have had some students who have rented the house when it was a yearly
rental. They were not always good neighbors. Should our lakeside dwelling become
subjected to a 30 day STR limitation, we would be going back to a yearly rental.
When a home is turned into an Airbnb, there is a level of expectation of quality. We took
much care to make the house and the property took nice for curb appeal. Isn't that what the
town wants?
We calculated that $8,00 occupancy tax was paid to the town from our Airbnb, for the 6
months it has been open. This would be lost revenues for the town if the proposal passes.
When Sheila went down to the welcome center when we were preparing for the Airbnb,
they told her that was one of the biggest requests they have is for rentals on the lake. My
Guests come and experience the lake. They can't do that from any area hotel. They take
out the kayaks and canoes. They swim with the ducks. They watch the bald eagle, ospreys
and other wildlife here. They have campfires; they roast s'mores with their kids. Closing
down a lakeside Airbnb when it is considered a high demand item does not seem to be a
good decision.
At the end of each stay, we sort their garbage and recyclables. Almost all of the guests had
been getting takeout food from area restaurants, visiting the local parks, visiting the
commons, and buying products from our local wineries and breweries. We provide a list of
local points of interests, restaurants and stores. One family took tennis lessons while they
were here. Our guests came from down state, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and were here to
experience the Fingerlakes as tourists. They were looking to be on one of the lakes. Had
our lake property not been available to them, they would not have rented from an Ithaca
hotel!, but instead gone further up the lake or to another lake; spending their money
elsewhere. The lakeside rentals are really the only option to experience Cayuga Lake (there
are no hotels on Cayuga Lake like Seneca Lake has in Watkins Glen and Geneva). It seems
if the town of Ithaca passes the STR to 30 days per year and include the lakeside rentals, it
could have significant affects on local tourism (essentially they would shut down
completely and convert over to long term rentals, except for maybe the people who rent
out on the Graduation weekends).
After some investigation, we discovered that this proposal is driven from issues/cornp taints
from Airbnbs established in Cayuga Heights neighborhoods. Lakeside housing
(04neighborhoods" are nothing like the residential neighborhoods of Cayuga Heights.
0
Regarding any issues complaints, the town should address them as they happen, enforcing
the ordinances and laws that already exist.
We recommend that the town board allow lakeside home owners to continue to provide a
much needed service to the community that is not met by any other means (unlike the
housing provided in residential neighborhoods like Cayuga Heights). This will also allow
lake home owners the ability to earn retirement and supplemental income as planned.
Sheila and Al Snyder
Lake Residents Since 1983
From: Dole Multari
Sent: Saturday,January 2, 20219-56 PM
To: Paulette Rosa
Subject: Short term rentals
Dear Town of Ithaca Board Members:
I am writing about the issue of regulations you are considering on short term rentals such as those through
Airbnb.
As a lifelong member of this community, an owner ol'property in the town of Ithaca,a local business
person and a frequent guest at Airbnb rentals all over this U.S. and abroad, I am shocked at the proposed
regulations and limits you are entertaining for short term rentals in the Town of Ithaca.
Most Airbnb hosts take pride in hosting a clean, quite,well run unit. This is a system
driven by reviews. Those that fall short, quickly find themselves without guests and are
forced to clean up their act or have no business. It works the same for guests. Bad reviews,,
they aren't accepted for a reservation.
I do not own or manage any STR. My interest is in the success of our residents and the
community.
STR bring many snore tourists into the immediate area. They bring S to the community.
They SPEND when they are here. They patronize local businesses, restaurants, wineries,
spas, supermarkets, parks and more that are close to the place where they stay, not to
mention the occupancy and sales tax that the town receives from their expenditures
Cities all over the US have found ways to embrace and benefit form a thriving STR
(Airbnb) community without limitations on the # of night guests can stay each year.
Having STR such as Airbnb is a win, win, win situation for the area. In addition to the S
spent at businesses and the taxes the town will receive, THEY CREATE JOBS. Lots of
jobs. Jobs for cleaning people, lawn and garden people, decorators, contractors and for
those who work at the restaurants., wineries, stores etc.
If you decrease the#of STIR and/or limit the#of days they can operate in a year.,tourists are simply going
to stay at them in other towns and Ithacans loose. I'm sure that other towns in areas will be thrilled to have
all of these people staying in their local STIR,spending lots of$and paying taxes there.
STR like Alrbnb are what tourists want now. A great many people these days will only stay at
them,, not at hotels. You should embrace this, not bow to pressure from the unfortunate few
who had problems and punish the majority of people who do things the right way. There
are solutions to the problems so that the community wins.
By all means find a solution that allows responsible STR owners to operate 365 days/year. For example,
have a permit system that is renewed each year for a nominal fee to get the STR and their owners registered.
Make them accountable. Have a system to accept and track complaints about a particular STIR. Have fines for
the first few violations and then pull their permit for the rest of the year. There are many possible solutions.
I do not think that it is appropriate to force property owners to rent only to long term tenants. These are
often relationships that are wrought with their own set of problems and liabilities far worse than STRs. The
staggering increase and array of new housing in the town,city,and county should certainly provide adequate
long term housing solutions.
There are a number of retired people,single people and people who are out of work that take pride in
renting an STR which provides them with much needed revenue to live on,to pay for their property taxes and
to find satisfaction in hosting visitors to the area and promoting local businesses and attractions.
Please,take a closer look at what you are considering,find solutions to the problems and do not put a limit
on the#of days/year that STD can operate in the town. If you do,you will be giving up a huge and
profitcable opportunity for this community at a tit-ne when peoplc and businesses desperately need it.
Sincerely,
Joleen Multari
From: Randall CoLey.
Sent: Wednesday, February 17, 2021 12:01 PM
To: Paulette Rosa
Subject: Short term rentals
To the Short Term Rental committee and Town of Ithaca Board:
My name is Randall Corey. I am a local business owner of over
30 years. In 2001 1 bought a house on the lake at 979
Taughannock Blvd. The house was previously a rental property
and rented mostly to students. The house was in disrepair and
needed a lot of work. I took on the work and put my resources
into rehabbing the house as my home. After my son was born in
2004, we decided it would be best for him to have a yard to run
around in, so we bought our current home in Enfield. In 2005, we
moved and began renting the lake cottage. I put a tremendous
amount of work into the house and have been fortunate to have
many repeat customers and all 5-star reviews. My neighbors
have not brought up any issues with me or my renters and we
share a steep driveway and parking area with the adjacent
houses without incident.
I am not a rich man. I was 39 years old when I bought my first
house (the lake cottage). I am now 59 years old and getting
closer to retirement. My business has been severely affected by
the COVID-19 crisis. I had to shut down my chiropractic office for
three months during the pandemic. Since reopening my office in
mid-June of 2020, 1 have had to implement various C4VID
protocols that have resulted in me having to basically do twice as
much work to be able to see half as many patients as I was prior
to the crisis. Fortunately, the lake cottage rental business was
strong and has kept my family financially solvent in this volatile
climate.
My lake cottage brings tourist dollars to our town. The people
who come to stay at my house would not come and stay in a
hotel. They have boats and kayaks and fishing gear. They want
to experience lake living. They want to hike, and ski, and explore,
and spend money in our town. They want to experience the
wonderful and varied restaurants that Ithaca has to offer. I
regularly give recommendations to local food and experiential
businesses that help our local economy thrive.
I employ cleaning people, outdoor maintenance workers, utility
repairmen, and landscaping companies that add to our local
economy. The maintenance on my lake property exceeds the
maintenance on my regular home which adds more dollars to our
economy.
The way my lake cottage is situated, is such that our deck is at a
different height than the neighbors on either side. We have
privacy landscaping and shades set up so that the neighbors are
not affected by my renters. The lakefront area is separated by a
small boathouse from our neighbors to the south and by large
shrubberies from our neighbors to the north. As I stated
previously, we have a very good relationship with our neighbors
and the renters are happy with the setup.
Many of my renters have local ties and/or are affiliated with the
local colleges and University. Often, we will host students and
their visiting families or prospective students visiting the schools
to help decide if they want to attend school here. I am happy to
say, that staying on the lake for a few days typically helps sway
their decision in our favor.
All in all, being able to rent my house throughout the year is
crucial to my financial solvency and my ability to keep my local
business afloat. This is a time of crisis in our country. The
economy is very unstable. Many businesses have failed or will
fail due to the drastic changes in our society. I believe that
restricting anyone's ability to earn a living is unconscionable at
this time. I implore you to exclude lake front properties from your
proposed restrictions and to reconsider putting any time
constraints on short term rentals in general. People will be forced
to sell their homes and close their businesses and move out of
New York to survive. It is hard enough to live and work in this
state without these proposed restrictions. I ask that you please
reconsider your motives and realize the consequences of your
proposal.
Dr. Randall H. Corey
435 Franklin St suite 206
Ithaca, N.Y. 14850
phone.- 607 257-6217
fax: 607 257-6847
From: Elaina M. McCartney
Sent: Tuesday, January S, 2O2ll-OlPIVI
To: Paulette Rosa
Subject. Short-term rental meeting
Attachments: STR|e��021 O1O5.doc.x
Hi Paulette,
Attached is another letter addressing the concerns related to lakeside short-term rentals. Please
feel free to share this. | hope to attend the zoom meeting on Jan. 11.
Thanks,
E/ainaK4cCartney
607-339'9940
From: pa u I ettJe1Rosa
Sent: Friday, November 13, 2O2O9-lGAM
/o: l
Subject: STIR Chat copy 20ZO_1l_O9
From Warren Real Estate to Everyone; 04;14 PM
Will this meeting be recorded and made available?
Thank you.
|s this available on the Town of Dryden vvebsbe?
From William Goodman to Everyone: 04:14 PIVII
Yes, their pubUc hearing 1s next Thurs Nov 19
From Mike MacAnannyto Everyone- O4-24PK4
To Dryden Manager- how did you come to the number of allowed days, and any differentiation
between hosted and unhosted?
From Warren Rea/ Estate to Everyone: 04:30 PM
Can the system distinguish between bookings and date blocks?
Thank you.
From Ray Burger to Everyone: O4:]1 PM
Law can be viewed et- htt
Reg g Q1f
From Nick He|mho|dtto Everyone: U4:3Z PM
Thanks Ray | need to run. Please feel free to send questions to -
haveogoodday -)
From Kenneth Simpson to Everyone: 04:59PM
there is a huge difference between college town and a quiet residential neighborhood that you
choose and pay more to live in (i.e property taxes). It is quality of life .
From Mike K4acAmannyto Everyone: O5:01PIVI
Folks bought in residential neighborhoods for the comfort ofquiet streets, cut de sacs, safety,
neighborliness. It's not squeamish to object to more traffic and strangers to account date
someone's making money.
From inezverrnaasto Everyone- OS-O2PK4
When someone rents out for more than SO days ona short term basis the long term rental laws
do not apply.
From Kenneth Simpson to Everyone. OS-O2 PM
anything over 30days ebven in single days should be regulated as a long term rental based on
impact and current zoning as, BUSINESS-Air BmBisa business- profit is the motive- NOT[\UAL/TY
OF LIFE for those who chose to live there AND PAY to live THERE
From |nezverrnaas10 Everyone: O5:07PK4
I think it is a great idea that people wanting to rent out short term for more than 30 days should
become professional registers businesses. What is your definition of a B&B? If they do not provide
afresh breakfast they are not a BO^8(
Level of inspection: Same as B&B's!!! Level the playing field.....
From Mike MacAnannyto Everyone: O5:O8PKx
"accomodate°
From Kenneth Simpson to Everyone: OS:11 PM
What are the consequences for those who lie when they disclose information to the Town? It
appears from recent conversations that there are insufficient resources to "'FACT CHECK"those
who rent LONG term- let a one short termm.....
Given the impact and profit of rentals on a neighborhood the Permit fee should be enough to pay
for a compliance organization to remove any impact of costs being paid by residents. Given the
profit margins for STA it wold seem a base permit level would be around $500-750/year-that
would cover compliance and regulation without pitting neighbors vs neighbors- it should be
independent
Fromm; Bill Goodman
Sent Sunday, August 8/ 20219-22PM
To: Pat 1Leary; Rich L[ePaolo
Cc: {Becky]�1��2 Susan Ritter;
Howe; Eric Levine; Palm Bleiwas
Subject. (STR) FVV: Lakefront zoning
FYI
Bill Goodman
Deputy Supervisor,Town ofIthaca
215 NomhTloga Street
Ithaca, NY 14850
607'592-6745'coU
--'0rigina| xxessage'--
Fnom: Benjamin VVeiner<benerikweiner@gmaiicom>
Sent:Saturday,August 7, 2OZ17:43Pxx
To- Bill Goodman«1BGood man @tovvnjthaca.ny.us»
Subject: Lakefront zoning
Mr Goodman,
Please add my voice to those in opposition to any time limit regulation of rentals on the lake. I fully
understand the need to register and pay for permits and safety, but since we on this stretch of Taughannock
Blvd have never had complaints, I do not see why the committee feels the need to so involve themselves w
private property.
| rent to pay the high taxes, not for fun. It is generally a break even proposition because the taxes are so
high. So the Town wants to charge me some of the highest taxes in the state, but then limit my ability to
pay them.
|tis simply not fair,and I hope you can add my voice to the cacophony of anger over this. I have rented since
l9gs without issue all that time.
P|s forward this to any one involved in these decisions.
Thank you.
Ben Weiner
847TaughannockBlvd
From-. JESSEAVER
Sent: Monday, March 8, 202110-33 AM
To: Bill Goodman; Paulette Rosa
Subject: STR Lakefront Group letter and comments for today's meeting
Attachments: Lakefront Rental Restrictions Opposition Group Letter.pdf
Hello Bill and Paulette!
Happy Monday!
In preparation for today's meeting with the ST r R Committee I am re-submitting a Group Letter from
the lakefront owners. There are now 39 signatures from supporters of having no limitations on lake
front rentals. I hope these views can be taken into consideration. Attached here.
In addition I'd like to add these comments myself and have it passed on to the committee-
Regarding rental night limits-There are many lake owners who would suggest that 180 nights
would work as a limit but that is because they fear that if they recommend no limits that they will be
rebuked by the committee. Imposing limits doesn't accomplish the aim of the STIR Committee as
there is an unintended consequence. If the purpose of limits is to protect the peace and quiet any
non-renting neighbors, limits do not accomplish that aim. For example, if a lakefront homeowner
was only allowed a limited nightly rental allowance then the incentive would be to pack it full all
summer at the highest rate possible to balance expenses, thus, the owners themselves would
have to limit their time at the property or come in the off season. Alternatively, if they could rent all
year there certainly would be an incentive to rent during the "off season" at a lower rate but more
frequently so that they themselves could use the property more in the summers. The suggestion by
the committee has been that owners are quieter and more respectful of their neighbors and that
renters are less so. The summer is the time when the most potential noise could occur since
activity would likely be outside. A typical off season renter is one who stays indoors to enjoy the
view while also visiting the wine trail, does some hiking and then goes to dinner. Typical summer
renters would likely be there to enjoy the lakefront, thus making more noise and generally being
outside. If the idea is that owner occupants are less disruptive to their neighbors than incentivizing
them to use their homes during summer is the best bet. There are plenty of off season renters as
hosts will attest. Lake owners agree on this.
In addition empty homes for any length of time pose other risks on the lake that wouldn't occur in
more dense residential zones. Leaving a home empty increases the risk of vandalism, theft, or
unnoticed flooding, pipe burst or other property damage. And it certainly is not the highest and best
use for these properties to sit empty through the winter months when they could so easily be
enjoyed. It is a waste of an asset and of tourism dollars.
Thanks so much for your time!
Jes
Jes Seaver
Associate Real Estate Broker
cell: 607.351.8737
office- 607.330.5261
email.jes@warrenhomes.com
Warren Real Estate of Ithaca
830 Hanshaw Road
Ithaca, NY 14850
www.warrenhomes.com
From: Will Tobin
Sent: Monday, February 8' ZO21l:5ZPIVI
/o: Paulette Rosa
Subject: STIR |eder
Attachments: STRLettecpdf
Hi Ms. Rosa.
Would you please pass along this attached letter to Mr. Goodman and the STIR committee? Thank
you very much.
Sincerely,
Will Tobin
phone- S15-567'l67l
Ithaca., NY
Fronc: Bill Goodman
Sent: Monday, November 9, IOIOl:56PM
/o: Rich De±2aolo
Cc: Rod Howe; Susan Ri1ter; Susan Brock
( )
Subject; STR Spreadsheet for 4:0OMeeting
Attachments: Short Term Rental Qct2O2Ov1.x|sx
Hi folks, here's the most current spreadsheet |'m working on. It mostly has the elements of the
latest draft we were working on /fnorn last winter with Susan BrocKs help)that apply to
UNHOSTE[\ pUus some elements we have discussed from more recent meetings about HOSTED. If
you have other recollections of things we decided that I don't have in my notes or memories,
please /*t us know during the meeting. Pat, can you open Excel spreadsheets? And here's the
meeting link:
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 9899lO75443
+l92943G2866US (New York)
Today vve should focus on what other elements from the Unhostedwve want to apply tothe
Hosted, PLUS what we want to 6o in Lakefront Residential (which we discussed in our Closed
Session with Susan that vve should tackle at this time rather than wait toa future time) PLUS some
more around Violations/Penalties which in our current draft is still largely undefined (and so I
hhaven't filled itin for every Unhostedcategory).
I have also invited Ray Burger from Dryden to tell us a little about what they have been doing
(looking at their draft, it seems to me they may have just copied a,few of the basic elements of our
draft to come up with a quick and simple law). Linda Woodard from Cayuga, Heights will also be
there in case we have any other questions for her. Mia Slotnik has been bugging me to invite her
because I think the Renwick Heights folks believe that if we keep hearing what day limit#s Cayuga
Heights has that we will decrease our limits. Renwick Heights has contacted Forest Home again, so
with them and the STR hosts we may have a lot of people on the Zoom. | don't think | will a||ovv
public comment this meeting given the number of issues vve need to discuss amongst ourselves.
Thanks,
Bill
Bill Goodman
Deputy Supervisor, Town ofIthaca
215 North Tioga Street
Ithaca, NYl485O
687-592'6745' ce||
From: Kenneth William Simpson
Sent: Tuesday, August 10, 20219:59AM
To: Paulette Rosa
Cc: Mia!SlotZick
Subject- Text of presentations at STIR committee and Town Board Meetings
August 9th2O2l
Attachments: Kenneth Simpson STR and Board meeting Aug 92O2l.docx
Dear Paulette,
| would be most grateful if you could distribute the attached text for my "from the floor
presentations" August 9th 202I to all members of the STR committee and the Town
8oard.
Best regards
Kenneth Simpson
Professor ufSmall Animal Medicine, Cornell University
Professor of Veterinary Medicine in Medicine, VV[M[
VMC2Ol1
College ofVeterinary Medicine
Cornell University
602Tovver Road
|TH/\CA, NY 14853
607-253-3567
kvvs5@corne||.edu
From Marian Murnford <marian,mumford54@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday,January 12, 20213-10 PM
To: Paulette Rosa
Subject: Town proposal to limit short term rentals
Hello Ms. Rosa,
I do not support the recent proposal to limit short term rentals on Cayuga Lake in the Town
of Ithaca.
I purchased my west shore home in 1996. 1 was able to build a studio apartment on the
second floor. That rental unit brought in income when I was going through a divorce, and
later when my second husband died in 2009. 1 would not have been able to manage my
mortgage payments otherwise.
Lake residents were assured they would not be included in whatever new limits the town
of Ithaca plans to impose on short term rentals. I know that as I move toward semi
retirement, I would like to have the option to supplement my income with occasional short
term rentals.
I have neighbors who planned their retirement around the assurance they could rent their
adjacent ( to me ) cottage as an air B and B. They launched this past summer and I have no
complaints about noise or disrespectful, or disruptive behavior. My neighbor on the other
side of me also offers short term rentals to families with children during the summer
months. Again, I have no complaints.
Contrary to what people believe, not everyone living on the lake is wealthy. Some of us are
middle class with mortgages and tuitions to pay like everyone else.
I think good landlords make all the difference. A contract with clearly stated private and
public rules/regulations, including the town noise ordinance, plus security deposit should
assure compliance from short term renters.
Thank you.
Marian Mumford
853 Taughannock Boulevard
Ithaca
Sent from my Whone
From: Court Ewing
Sent: Monday, March @' 2OZl9x42AM
/o: Paulette 1g{a.
Subject: Upcoming regulation around short-term rentals /m town ofIthaca
Howdy,
We just spoke on the phone briefly about short term rentals and potential upcoming code changes
that are being discussed.The specific property we're looking to put an offer on this afternoon is
220 Stone Quarry Rd, which is a single family home. Can you provide any insight or direction into
where vve can read upon the current thinking around code changes that would impact the use of
this home asa short-term rental.
Any info you can provide, even anecdotally, would be very helpful.Thank you!
-Court Ewing
610'304-1624