Town Board opens hearing on six-month moratorium for new short-term rentals

The Italy Town Board opened a public hearing March 11 on a proposed six-month moratorium that would pause the establishment of new short-term rentals while the Planning Board prepares recommended regulations. Supervisor Richard Craig said the pause would not affect existing short-term rentals: "Existing rentals would not be affected." The board voted to open and later to close the hearing by unanimous recorded votes.

Speakers at the hearing presented sharply different views. Planning Board member Drury MacKenzie said the moratorium seeks to make housing more accessible for locals, arguing, "This moratorium is more about ensuring the locals being able to afford to remain here." In contrast, Brian Kelly, who said he is Code Enforcement Officer in the City of Geneva and owns short-term rentals, called the proposal a potential "money grab," noting that Geneva has seen short-term rental numbers fall where revenue expectations did not match reality. Councilmember Malcolm Mac Kenzie said the moratorium is intended to give the Planning Board time to develop requirements the Town Board can consider.

The board did not take final action on the moratorium at the meeting; members noted the pause would initially last six months and could be extended. Opponents said the measure restricts property owners' use rights and expressed concern about exemption costs and administrative burdens. Proponents emphasized concerns that converting homes to short-term rentals reduces long-term rental stock and contributes to declining school enrollment. The Town Board plans to revisit the item at a future meeting after the Planning Board submits recommendations.