Living next door to a short-term rental property in Pittsford, New York has become increasingly concerning to me, my family, and our neighbors. Our home shares a boundary with a property that caters mainly to short-term tenants, whose owners reside out of state for nearly 46 weeks a year. This situation places my children, my neighbors, the community, and the students at Jefferson Road Elementary School, directly adjacent to this rental property, at risk.

Over the past eight years, I've witnessed numerous issues with this property, ranging from excessive noise and large gatherings to unfamiliar individuals loitering in the vicinity. Each week brings a new set of strangers, with little accountability or responsibility for their impact on the community as a whole. The constant turnover of occupants raises serious safety concerns, especially considering our proximity to an elementary school with over 500 students.

Short-term rental properties, though beneficial for tourism and business, can pose significant threats to the safety and well-being of local residents. In close-knit communities like ours, where residents invest not just in property but people as well, it's imperative to maintain safety, security, and a sense of community. Without sufficient oversight and regulation, these rentals can disrupt established neighborhoods and bring unforeseen dangers and discomfort to families, particularly those with young children.

I urge the Pittsford Town Board and Town Supervisor to implement restrictions and regulations on short-term rentals. Proposed measures may include requiring registration and detailed property management plans, mandating owner occupancy for a minimum of eight months in a calendar year, limiting the number of times a property can be rented within a calendar year, and eliminating rental properties within a certain proximity to schools and community centers that host afterschool programs and camps.  Such regulations will help mitigate the safety risks associated with short-term rentals, ensuring that our neighborhoods remain safe for residents.

Let us come together as a community to advocate for change, safeguarding our children and ensuring the peace and security of our neighborhood. Please sign this petition to urge the Town Board to take necessary actions for the safety and security of those of us who call Pittsford home.