OBSERVER Photo by Braden Carmen Town of Dunkirk resident Dave Maternowski spoke about the issue of short-term rental properties at a recent meeting of the Dunkirk Town Council.

The short-term rental debate in the town of Dunkirk has gone on for nearly two years. Now, once a few loose ends are tied up, it appears the Town Board and the town Planning Board are nearing a resolution to the issue.

“I just want to thank the Zoning Board of Appeals, the Planning Board, the town attorney, the supervisor and the council members for listening to our complaints for the last two years while trying to resolve the short-term rental issue in the town,” Dunkirk town resident Phil Leone said. “It seems like we’re getting it right, finally.”

At a Jan. 4 Town of Dunkirk Planning Board meeting, the Planning Board made the recommendation to hold off on approving the Town Zoning Ordinance. The reasoning behind holding back were “some inconsistencies” in the document, according to Shari Miller of the Planning Board. Among the changes the Planning Board requested are completed definitions and a local law in place.

“It’s an ongoing process between the boards and we welcome their input,” said Town of Dunkirk Councilman Juan Pagan. “We will continue to work with them and take their considerations to heart.”

The public comment portion of the most recent Town Council meeting lasted approximately 13 minutes. Each of the speakers spoke to their opposition of short-term rentals in residential neighborhoods.

Leone highlighted how in the Planning Board meeting, which he attended, Miller said that “all eyes are on the Town of Dunkirk” for how they address the short-term rental issue. Leone — and other speakers in the public comment portion of the meeting — agreed with that statement.

“Our neighborhood has an investment in the decision,” said Town of Dunkirk resident Dave Maternowski. “Most importantly, we have a significant time investment. It’s sort of like church now, we have graduated to having our own chairs.”

Sue Hazelton, Jay Warren, and Barbara Warren were also among the other speakers, as usual.

“There has been a lot of work done over the past years. Progress has been made,” Hazelton said in a short letter she read aloud. Members in attendance at the last meeting joked with Hazelton about not having a letter as usual at the prior meeting.

“Over the last — I think — 14 months, we have communicated to the board our legitimate grievances with VRBOs (vacation rental by owner),” said Maternowski, who cited single-lane roads and trespassing concerns, along with a minimal law enforcement presence and the distance between homes.

“If any language is added or voted on to allow any form of a VRBO, I think we would like to hear a detailed explanation why,” said Maternowski. “It does completely alter the character of this neighborhood and it doesn’t financially help the town. … If there is any reason to add to it, it has to be overwhelmingly strong enough to override the citizens that spoke, the Zoning Board, the County Court decision, the Planning Board, and two petitions of well over 70 people who oppose it.”

The town will hold a workshop to discuss the Local Law related to short-term rentals on Saturday, Jan. 21 at 11 a.m. at the Dunkirk Town Hall. A local law would be in addition to the town’s zoning code regulations, including enforcement.

The recent Town Hall meeting also served as an organizational meeting for 2023. Councilwoman Priscilla Penfold was officially sworn in for her recently elected role on the Town Council. Councilman Juan Pagan was designated as deputy supervisor by Supervisor Richard Purol.