We were relieved when the Rockport Select Board wisely voted 4-1 on February 8 to table the draft “Ordinance to Regulate Short-Term Rental Property” and not place it on the June ballot.
This ordinance would hurt our businesses and local economy which rely heavily on summer tourism. It will also hurt the vitality of the Village, where several of us not only operate our businesses, but also live.
We understand that 34 residents recently filed a petition seeking to circumvent the Select Board’s vote and as a result, the Board is now considering a proposal to place a nonbinding vote on short term rental regulation on the June ballot instead. We believe the Select Board got it right the first time and should stay the course.