Advertisement. Advertise with us

Mayor Foresees Fewer

Tourist-Housing Options

Village Trustees Jim Dean and Cindy Falk discuss the impacts of the proposed sunset clause in the new tourist accommodation laws. (Libby Cudmore/AllOTSEGO.com)

By LIBBY CUDMORE • Special to www.AllOTSEGO.com

COOPERSTOWN – With the deadline for tourist-accommodation permits nearing and a moratorium in its fifth month, Mayor Jeff Katz updated the Village Board, saying he foresees tighter regulations on housing for visitors to the village.

“Clearly, the future is going to be where tourist accommodations in the village are harder to come by,” said Katz. “We’re not saying you can’t have tourist accommodations, but we’re working on bolstering the definition of owner, occupancy and owner-occupancy.”

While meeting bi-weekly with the ad hoc tourist accommodation committee, Katz had hoped that the law would be ready for a public hearing at tonight’s meeting. He said the committee now plans to present it to the public in November for comment, in hopes of having the law before the board in January.

Among the pieces proposed in the law is a sunset clause on existing tourist accommodations, including Bed and Breakfasts – when the property is sold, the new owner must apply for a rental permit under the new, tighter laws.

But trustees Ellen Tillapaugh and Cindy Falk voiced concerns that this would hinder the sale and use of property. “I’m just not comfortable, with a business that has always operated legally, putting them out of business under new ownership,” said Falk. “In many case, I’m afraid they won’t be able to comply under the new rules.”

“We’re transferring buildings, not businesses,” argued trustee Jim Dean.

But while the law is being crafted, Jane Gentile, zoning enforcement officer, reminded existing tourist accommodations that the Nov. 1 deadline for renewal of their permit was a firm deadline. Although some have been received, she agreed to follow up with those who have not yet filed their paperwork.

“Tourist accommodations will still be a viable income producing option,” said Katz. “The law will just be a little tougher.”

 

 

Posted

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

Related Articles

HAPPENIN’ OTSEGO: 06-14-23

HAPPENIN’ OTSEGO for WEDNESDAY, JUNE 14 Otsego 2000 Presents Series On Local Historic Preservation HISTORIC PRESERVATION—5:30 p.m. Otsego 2000’s series on preserving local history presents Cooperstown Graduate Program Professor of Material Culture Cindy Falk for “All the Colors of the Rainbow: Deciphering Historic Paint Colors,” an overview of historic paint colors, how their popularity changed over time, and what colors were likely used architecturally and why. Upper Susquehanna Cultural Center, North Main Street, Milford. (607) 547-8881 or visit facebook.com/otsego2000/ BLOOD DRIVE—1-6 p.m. Save up to three lives with the American Red Cross. Quality Inn, 5206 State Highway 23, Oneonta. Register at redcrossblood.org…

Renckens: Village Needs History Museum

Congratulations, Mayor Tillapaugh, on the wonderful job you are doing with the upgrades of our quaint little village. The streets, sidewalks, and now Doubleday Field and parking lot are outstanding. Our “Perfect Village” gets better and better thanks to you, Mayor Katz and the local village officials now and in the past.…

Putting the Community Back Into the Newspaper

Now through March 30, new annual subscribers to “The Freeman’s Journal” and AllOtsego.com (or subscribers who have lapsed for two or more years) have an opportunity to help their choice of one of four Otsego County charitable organizations.

$5.00 of your subscription will be donated to the nonprofit of your choice:

Cooperstown Farmers’ Market, Cooperstown Food Pantry, Greater Oneonta Historical Society or Super Heroes Humane Society.