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Resident appeals Londonderry short-term rental amendment; special town meeting set for July 19
Summary
A resident filed a petition challenging April'21 short-term rental amendments and urged the Selectboard to release the research behind a 50-night cap; the board approved a Warning for a July 19 special town meeting where voters will decide the amendment.
Jessica Citera told the Selectboard she filed a petition to appeal the April 21, 2025 Short Term Rental Ordinance amendment and said the changes could harm local businesses reliant on lodging. "With only 42 hotel rooms in Londonderry, this limit will impact tourism and subsequently local businesses due to a decrease in lodging rooms," Citera said. She asked for the research that supported imposing a 50-night annual cap on new STRs.
Selectboard Chair Tom Cavanagh said the amendment was intended to limit out-of-state investors buying second homes. Short Term Rental Administrator Andy Dahlstrom said it is difficult to determine how many STRs are unhosted. Housing Commission member Patty Eisenhaur told the board the commission endorses the amendment, arguing it will "slow the speculation of buying property and puts brakes on things" and that workers who work locally cannot afford to live in town. Motel owner Jen Greenfield said investors have displaced people and stressed local businesses have help-wanted signs because workers cannot find housing within driving distance.
The board unanimously approved and signed the Warning for a Special Town Meeting to consider the STR amendment and to elect a town lister; the meeting is scheduled for July 19, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. at Londonderry Town Hall, with Moderator Peter Pagnucco presiding and a three-minute limit per speaker. The Selectboard noted the petition will be addressed at that meeting and the town will post the amendment text on its website in advance.
