Town leaves short-term rental public hearing open after hours of public comment

The Cheektowaga Town Board left its public hearing open on a proposed local law to regulate short-term rentals after nearly three hours of testimony from residents, owners and board members who urged changes ranging from stronger enforcement and permit requirements to protections for longtime, responsible hosts.

Supervisor Brian Nowak opened the hearing on Local Law Intro 2 of 2025 and the board heard from five people who had signed up to speak and several others who spoke from the floor. Testimony included graphic accounts of nuisance parties and public-safety incidents and calls for strict enforcement, while several long-term hosts and owners urged the board not to adopt blanket restrictions that would eliminate responsible, owner-occupied rentals.

"When bad actors rent those houses, I pay the price," Wally Carriero told the board, describing a recent overnight party that drew multiple police calls and blocked streets. Gary Bork, a resident who supports regulation, suggested prohibiting short-term rentals in residential areas but allowing variances or permits for owners who meet safety and operating standards.

Bonnie Dwyer, a neighbor of a problematic rental, said she and other senior residents had experienced repeated disturbances, while Catherine Gaspar, a 66-year-old host who said she has welcomed more than 2,000 guests without incident, asked that off-street parking and a four-bedroom cap be removed or grandfathered for longstanding hosts.

Hosts urged differences in treatment for owner-occupied listings. "When we are there, we can sort of manage the property," said Chad Gangloff, who operates an owner-occupied duplex. He and others recommended a tiered approach with permit requirements and enforcement that is stronger for repeat violators.

Several council members expressed interest in forming a short-term-rental commission to advise on language and enforcement. Council member Michael Jasinski said he favored holding owners accountable and recommended that responsible hosts organize to police bad actors. Council member Diane Benjkowski suggested an advisory commission similar to the town’s Traffic Safety Commission to monitor problem properties and vet appeals.

The draft law contains multiple provisions that prompted questions about enforceability and legal limits: off-street parking requirements, a four-bedroom limit per listing, background-check language and an insurance mandate. Several residents and board members noted the draft cites Nassau County language and urged local tailoring for Cheektowaga’s lower density and different parking conditions.

The hearing remains open; the board said it will continue to revise the draft and invited formation of a temporary commission to provide input before the next meeting. No formal vote was taken on the draft at the session.

What happened next The public hearing was left open and the board asked staff to post the current draft so residents can review proposed changes before the next meeting. Council members recommended an advisory commission and more precise, locally tailored language, particularly on parking, bedroom limits, insurance and enforcement mechanisms.

Why it matters Local regulation of short-term rentals could affect neighborhood parking, policing resources, property values and supplemental income for homeowners. The board’s decisions will determine whether host permits, occupancy caps, insurance and resident complaint mechanisms are required.