Letter to the Editor, Shelter Island Reporter, From a Proud STR Supporter

I am concerned about the cruel divisions caused by reckless decisions of the Town Board.  We have a chance this November to reshuffle the Board with competent, intelligent Board Members by voting the Republican ticket for Town Board. I am a vehement Democrat, but I am also a vehement lover of Shelter Island. Town Board elections are not tied to party platforms.

Election Day is November 5, 2019. You need to register by October 11, and send in your request for an absentee ballot by October 29, You can print  these documents at: https://www.suffolkcountyny.gov/Departments/BOE This year, New York has early voting.   You can vote in person on Shelter Island between October 26, and November 3..    

The Town has passed regulations limiting our right to rent and requiring anyone who rents for any length of time to register their homes and produce current Certificates of Occupancy or risk fines and imprisonment. To keep track of us, we must advise the Town each time we rent. The Board, Town employees and a new full time “enforcer” spend time and precious taxpayer money on this intrusive regulation.

New regulations make it difficult to start a new or improve an existing business. There are new signs everywhere—visual pollution. Because the Town is keeping track of us, we must obtain permits for tents and kayaks. We may be required to purchase new septic tanks that will require us to pay a person to reset when we return from a few weeks’ absence.   

 At least 2/3 of the island homes are second homes. This is not an apartment driven city (the “Airbnb law” in NYC does not apply to homes), it is not the suburbs, it is not a retirement community, it is not the Hamptons, or the North Fork that have a year-round economy. Similar islands --Block, Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket, Cape Cod, Fishers—are not regulated because their governing boards understand the importance of tourism. Their economies depend upon the tourism dollars visitors bring every season. Regulating rentals is economic suicide for Shelter Island.

I have owned a second home for twenty-five years, and have not been involved with local politics. But the hurtful divisions and economic harm caused by the actions of all but one of the current board members have caused me to jump in. The reason for the regulations that have broken up long time friendships and families—are the usual suspects: control and power. Please register to vote and vote Republican this November.   Take back your property rights. Say no to the senseless overregulation that is choking the businesses on this island. We need change - Vote Gerth, Kaasik, and Weisenberg for the change that will return peace to the island - and your property rights. This is a crucial election - Let your voice be heard!