To the Editor:
The proliferation of over a thousand short-term rentals on Martha’s Vineyard over the past three years has created the major impact on the shortage of seasonal or annual affordable rental housing.
Limit short-term rentals to Island resident owners only, and/or at homes where the owner lives onsite during rental periods. Short-term rentals are businesses with an exchange of dollars for services rendered; and as such, are ILLEGAL businesses in residential zoned areas! All Martha’s Vineyard towns should enforce respective zoning laws/regulations, and stop the madness.
Towns should also provide tax incentives to provide affordable rents to Island employees. Short-term rentals created this problem — save our local neighborhoods from this invasion now. And also, support the proposed housing bank.
Frederick Rundlet
Vineyard Haven