Restrictive short term rental tegulations are proposed for Noank Zoning Board meeting Thursday. What is the board trying to achieve by proposing a 45-day maximum and two-per-month limit on short-term rentals? And adding a rule requiring three-year property ownership to offer STR?

Many Noank residents depend on summer visitors to help meet annual tax obligations. Most STRs are located outside of the village, with only three in the village proper. Yes, seasonal traffic is a concern, but trying to reduce overflow of tourists visiting quaint Noank is like trying to stop the tide!

Besides restricting ability for older residents depending on STR seasonal rentals to help meet maintenance and taxes, what do these restrictive limits accomplish? Noank residents have hosted vacation rentals for generations. Does a few incidents of noise and illegal parking − not uncommon to most neighborhoods in summer − cause the rights of every property owner to be affected? Do we toss the wine out with the cork?

What is the board's ideal image of Noank? A village without business establishments, i.e. Carson's, Ford's, Abbott's and Costello's, Noank Oyster's, and Spencer's Spirits would not survive without seasonal tourists. These businesses add to the fabric our area and STR hosts allow family and guests to enjoy it.

Jean Clark

Groton