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Turo attorney urges interim contract negotiation as town considers peer‑to‑peer rental bylaw change
Summary
Town warrant Article 72 would classify peer‑to‑peer car platforms as rental agencies and require registration; Turo counsel urged the airport commission to back the finance committee’s referral for further study and to negotiate an interim contract so the airport can collect fees and enforce rules.
The commission discussed Town Meeting Warrant Article 72, which would amend the town’s car‑rental bylaw (Chapter 58) to include peer‑to‑peer car‑sharing platforms such as Turo, create a registration/certificate system and allow the select board to increase the island’s rental cap. The commission heard public comment from Attorney Steven Cohen, who identified himself as representing Turo and local residents who use the platform.
Cohen told the commission the select board’s article sought to clarify legal status but that the finance committee recommended referral for further study so the town could craft regulatory rules. He urged the airport to support the finance committee motion and, in the interim, negotiate a contract with Turo to set operating rules and fees that would allow the airport to collect revenue and require adherence to local conditions. "What I would suggest to the airport commission, respectfully, is that you support the fin comm motion, and then we also negotiate that contract and get it in place, but not sign it," Cohen said, explaining that a negotiated contract would allow enforcement and revenue sharing while the town develops comprehensive regulation.
Commissioners debated options — take no position, support the select board article as written, or support the finance committee referral — and several commissioners expressed interest in meeting with Turo to negotiate terms that would be fair to existing operators and the airport. The commission agreed to continue discussion at a future meeting and to pursue discussions with Turo staff and counsel rather than adopt a formal position at this session.
Ending: Staff was asked to schedule a follow‑up discussion and to pursue talks with Turo representatives about a potential interim contract that would outline fees and operating conditions pending a town policy decision.
