Dear Supporters,

I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to provide you with an update on our ongoing efforts to combat the unjust short-term rental ban imposed by the Sparta Township Council.

As many of you are aware, despite our tireless efforts and months of constructive engagement with the council and the community, the council proceeded to pass Ordinance 24-04, effectively prohibiting short-term rentals of residential properties in Sparta. This decision was made without proper consideration of the middle ground solutions we proposed, and it was evident that the decision was pre-determined.

It is disheartening to see that our council members, who are entrusted with the well-being of our community, have neglected their duty to thoroughly explore all options and have instead opted for a blanket ban on short-term rentals. What's more concerning is the apparent conflict of interest among some council members, with ties to the planning board and other entities, which has led to several ongoing lawsuits citing conflict of interest.

The ordinance, passed by a majority vote, restricts owners of single-family detached dwellings from renting their property for less than 28 days and prohibits advertising such rentals. This not only impacts us as property owners but also affects the local economy, depriving Sparta of much-needed revenue generated from occupancy taxes.

However, our fight is far from over. We will continue to stand up for our rights as property owners and members of this community. We will persist in attending town meetings, voicing our concerns, and advocating for fair and balanced regulations that benefit both residents and visitors alike.

Furthermore, we are exploring legal avenues to challenge the council's decision, particularly regarding the apparent conflict of interest and the failure to consider alternative solutions. We will not rest until justice is served and our voices are heard.

I want to express my sincere gratitude to each and every one of you for your support. Together, we are a force for change, and I am confident that, with your continued support, we will prevail.

Please stay tuned for further updates on our progress. Together, we will ensure that the interests of the community prevail over personal agendas.

Thank you for standing with us!