I appreciate Kim Drelich’s article “Debate heats up over Groton short-term rentals” (Sept. 10) bringing area attention to the plight of those who must abide with these STRs. But make no mistake about it, they will eventually affect all of Groton’s quality of life if allowed to proliferate. They have doubled in number since 2019, and now make up 75 in the 06340-zip code and 320 in the 06355, comprising part of Stonington. Do STRs support community interests like doctors, dentists, markets, or schools? No, there is more to a community than fine dining.

The real question is, why has our Town Council, attorney, and staff taken a position in favor of STRs to the detriment of the much larger number of residents and citizens. A cursory reading of our zoning regs, by anyone not a staff person, will show they are not allowed. How does it make sense to allow commercial interests in residential zoning? It defies logic and ignores the spirit and letter of the regulations. Our officials ride roughshod over any dissenting opinions.

Attorney Moukawsher has stated that Groton’s official position that STRs are an “allowed use” is absolutely not correct. We will endeavor to make sure that view is secured.

Bruce A. McDermott

Mystic