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Zoning board approves owner‑occupied short‑term rental at 45 Harvey Road after neighbor opposition
Summary
The Zoning Board approved an owner‑occupied short‑term rental for a basement suite at 45 Harvey Road. The owner, Jay Johnson, pledged on‑site presence and limits on parking; a next‑door neighbor spoke in opposition citing neighborhood character and parking concerns. Board voted 5‑0 to approve.
The Town of Middletown Zoning Board on Aug. 1 approved an owner‑occupied short‑term rental permit for 45 Harvey Road, despite verbal opposition from a next‑door neighbor who urged the board to preserve the neighborhood’s quiet character.
Applicant Jay Johnson said he and his wife bought the house two years earlier, live full time at the property with their two children, and sought to rent a finished basement suite after Johnson was laid off and the family faced financial strain. Johnson described the basement as a self‑contained guest suite with a separate exterior entrance, no enclosed bedroom (a studio/pull‑out arrangement), and space suitable for two to four occupants. He said he would be present on the property whenever the suite was rented and would observe quiet hours.
Neighbor William Baer, of 55 Harvey Road, said he opposed the application because he feared the neighborhood could change into busier bed‑and‑breakfast or STR areas he has seen elsewhere. Baer said he supported Johnson personally but opposed the application in order to preserve the neighborhood. Other board members and a former board member present noted the town’s new short‑term rental ordinance includes rules limiting parking, noise and other impacts and that enforcement mechanisms and fines exist.
Board members discussed parking logistics at length. The board confirmed short‑term tenants are not allowed to park on the street or lawn under the town rules; Johnson represented his driveway and garage could be arranged so the property could accommodate up to about five cars in some configurations and that he would include parking limits in any listing. Board members cautioned that effective on‑site management and compliance with the town’s parking and noise restrictions would be required.
No other public speakers opposed the petition. After deliberation, the board approved the owner‑occupied short‑term rental permit by a 5‑0 vote.
