Emilia Teasdale is reporting for The Columbia Paper the Chatham Town Board August 2 held a public hearing on its proposed new zoning law. The process of updating the law has been ongoing for roughly a decade and the new proposal has now been updated to eflect the town's 2009 comprehensive plan. Town planning consultant Nan Stolzenburg said at the August 2 hearing, that in addition to conforming the town's zoning laws to reflect the comprehensive plan, the committee also looked at so-called hot button issues, such short term rentals that were not considered when the plan was written. More than 20 people commented during the hearing. The section of the proposed law covering short-term rentals, like the ones offered by Airbnb, were a major topic of discussion. Several residents of Thomas Road said they were concerned about short-term rentals allowed in the proposed zoning law, but at least two residents talked about using Airbnb to rent out their houses and parts of their houses and how positive the experience is. Other comments concerned worries over restricting new business and overly restrictive regulations affecting town roads. Town Supervisor Maria Lull thanked everyone who attended the meeting and said comments on the proposed law can still be submitted to the board. The town board next meets 6 p.m., Thu., Aug. 16, at town hall, 488 State Route 295, Chatham. Read the full story in The Columbia Paper.