The Village of Hunter is currently developing a proposed law to regulate,restrict and reduce short-term rentals (such as AIRBNB and VRBO) in Hunter NY. By limiting competitive accommodation options under the guise of "public health safety and welfare," the proposed law maybe a misguided attempt, that we can only speculate, to protect big money corporate lodging interests to the detriment of local homeowners,businesses and workers. For too long entrenched interests in the Village of Hunter have neglected their responsibility to develop, maintain, and support a once thriving village. They seem have prioritized their spending of over $10,000.00 for a draft plan to Delaware Engineering instead of policies that would benefit the community. We believe the short-term law is yet another attempt by the village to depress small business,local employment and investment for their own benefit and spend our Village Tax money.           The economic ecosystem of Hunter ,and the Catskills region more broadly, relies overwhelming on tourism, recreation and related services. Hunter is properly characterized as a "resort community" (as stated in the proposed law). It's economic development is inextricably tied to attracting visitors, which in turn requires a range of suitable accommodation options at a variety of price points. Successful communities have the capacity to build on community strengths, address community weakness and take advantage of opportunities.                                                           An opportunity is knocking on our door. In recent years, and especially since the onset of Covid-19, the Catskills has re-emerged as an in demand vacation destination. This opportunity must not be squandered.The Comprehensive Plan for The Town of Hunter explained that Hunter has "learned that it is directly affected by regional,national and even international trends,markets and rules" and that shifts in tourism trends have brought cycles of prosperity,decline and renewal."        We choose renewal over decline. We stand together through our shared vision that Hunter can and will emerge once again as a prosperous community at the forefront of the greater Catskills revitalization. We demand that the Village of Hunter abandon its proposed short-term rental law. After decades of neglect, now is the time to act. Please join us in voicing your opposition to Hunters proposed short-term rental law.             Please sign the petition, attend public meetings, Call/write The Village of Hunter Board E-mail villageofhunter@aol.com Phone 518-263-4020. Address PO Box 441 7955 Main Street Hunter NY 12442 Speak to your neighbors. Join our Association Facebook Page @ hunternyassociation . Vote in elections and Please donate to our HunterNYAssociation Legal Fund.Details for funding to be announced soon.