On Friday the Star-Democrat featured an article titled, “Realtors President: Good compromise on rentals,” The reporter quoted Mid Shore Board of Realtors President Ms. Cawley saying: “I think the investors are now happy because you have to have a license, you have to pay and those are things that investors are realizing. For now, they can live with it”. The article implies that many STR’s are not licensed and that investors are quite happy with the votes cast by several Council Members making it easier to get licensed.
While investors may be happy, many residents of Talbot County are not. There was no compromise on the three amendments supported by the many Talbot County residents that attended the public hearings. Residents do not want the destruction that short term rentals owned by “INVESTORS” will bring to our neighborhoods and property values.
There was no compromise on a 11th hour amendment submitted and voted on without a public hearing that removed a requirement to prove acceptable insurance.
If this vote is an example of compromise, what direction will an unchanged County Council take us going forward? Do we really want Talbot County commercialized to the extent elected official’s cater to outside investors for their benefit? I hope not. In November, remember that Laura Price is the only incumbent running again to vote with the citizens.
Robert Haase
St. Michaels
David Lloyd says
Regrettably, that was true for virtually all three issues before the Council this September. She (and Dirck Bartlett) was the only one who listened to the overwhelming number of constituents when voting on the noise level increase, the sewer pipe/development issue and the one discussed here: the STRs! The other three incumbents running for re-election — Ms Williams, Mr Pack and Mr Callahan — should be defeated!
Willard Engelskirchen says
New blood is needed. Vote for some new people on the board. Consider that not all of them should be Republicans.
Connie Sheer says
I actually live On a small peninsula of about 25 homes where at least 3 are short term rentals 4 are long term rentals and several more are weekend people. I have lived here for 11 years. Families rent the homes in the summer months. They generate revenue by eating in our restaurants, shopping in our stores and visiting other tourist attractions. The winter brings the hunters. They also contribute to our economy.
It also provides employment for housekeepers, groundskeepers and maintenance workers. The homes and grounds are well maintained. If they weren’t maintained why would anyone rent them.
It leaves me wondering why Mr. Haase would want amendments submitted by Laura Price to be considered that would require these homeowners to turn over their bank accounts and tax returns and determine the amount of insurance they should carry. I would think that homeowners who rent their homes would certainly carry adequate insurance to protect themselves as well as their investment. As for turning over your accounts and tax returns I would say that could be a very slippery slope not to mention a grave over reach of government. No one is entitled to that information.
I fear the reports of complaints are greatly exaggerated. I believe the actual number of formal complaints is more like 3. I can actually say that in the 11 years I’ve lived here there has never been one complaint. It sounds to me as though this is an effort to create fear and anxiety where there is no real threat
Robert Haase says
Maybe STR’s are ok in some neighborhoods but not in all. As the head of Talbots largest vacation rental business said in a public hearing, STR’s do not belong in densely zoned neighborhoods, period. Ms. Price introduced amendments that were requested by hundreds of her voters, what you should ask is why Williams and Pack received the same requests but chose to ignore their voters and side with special interests. As far as verifying adequate insurance limits this was added by the Planning Commission as the requirement existed.
Again if you are renting legitimately you would have such insurance why wouldn’t you want to provide it.
Lastly as the STR’s moved forward many problems came to light from all over the county, most weren’t reported, let’s see how many there will be next year.