Emilia Teasdale is reporting for The Columbia Paper about the February 6, meeting of the Chatham Town Board and the discussion that focused on the subject of short-term rentals and the proposed updates to the town's zoning law. Henry Corsun moderated the conversation about STRs. The proposed law defines a short-term rental investment property as “a property that is not occupied by the owner and is primarily used for income.” The law, as drafted, would require the issuance of a special use permit by the town Planning Board, and could be established in any of the town's zoning districts. Corsun began by asking the audience to identify the benefits and drawbacks of permitting STRs. Several audience members, who rent out their property or rooms in their homes on a short term basis, spoke about the benefits of the extra income as well as the jobs that are created in the area. A resident of North Chatham said that a drawback was that she wants to know her neighbors, and wants to see a residency component in any regulation on STRs. One person expressed opposition to the new regulations, saying that she felt her short-term rental was already regulated as a home business. Corsun said he would write up the notes on the discussion and the board would discuss the issue further at their meetings and workshops in the coming month. Comments on the regulations can still be submitted to Town Clerk Beth Anne Rippel via email at TownClerk [at] chathamnewyork [dot] us. Read the full story in The Columbia Paper.