Over the last few years, the Hudson Valley and Catskills have become increasingly popular short-term rental (STR) markets, and part of the national debate about their merits and shortcomings. While many residents that operate STRs experience financial success and help bring visitors to their area, many others think that STR sites like Airbnb and VRBO are transforming the community for the worse. However, the real impact STRs are having on our region is much less black-and-white, says John C. Cappello, Esq., a partner at the Walden-based law firm Jacobowitz & Gubits.
While excitement about New York's newly budding recreational cannabis industry has never been more palpable, it’s also just the beginning for the regulatory and licensing framework that will be overseen by the newly created Office of Cannabis Management. For eager consumers and prospective cannabis entrepreneurs alike, there’s still several major regulatory hurdles left to clear. Among them is the power the new law gives municipalities to “opt-out” of hosting retail dispensaries and public consumption facilities within their borders. Here's a primer on the opt-out rule and how you can get involved in your town's decision.