LEWISTON, N.Y. — The Town of Lewiston board voted Monday to enact a new law that will ban short-term rentals in residential areas.
The board voted 3-2 in favor of the ban, which includes Airbnbs and bed and breakfasts.
The law cites concern for the health, safety and welfare of residents of the Town of Lewiston, which it claims have been impacted by short-term and transient rentals due to factors like “noise, damage to personal and real property, poor upkeep of structures, large gatherings and/or parties, parking issues, debris, garbage left out at the curb for long periods, late night disturbances and other public nuisances.”
The law only applies to certain zones, particularly residential, and the town. Short-term rentals are allowed in the Village of Lewiston with a special use permit.
Jena Copelin is an Airbnb owner in the town. She said herself and about 10 owners had repeatedly attended meetings hoping a similar permit or policy would be installed instead of an all-out ban.
“This is important to me and to my family and a project that we have a lot of pride in,” she said.
Copelin said she bought her property about a year ago and has had 30 short-term rental stays since without a problem. She believes the town came to this decision completely based on the assumption that problems could arise.
“They've done research on other towns' findings, but it's not the Town of Lewiston,” she said. “Lewiston is a very sleepy town. If you go down Center Street, at 11 o'clock it's quiet.”
Copelin has just 30 days to call and cancel all of her upcoming guests for this summer. She said her property was booked throughout the busy season. She is also considering taking legal action just to keep her property up and running — one that she bought with the sole purpose of renting out.
“Finances will be a big concern,” she said.
2 On Your Side made numerous attempts to contact the town board and supervisor, but did not hear back.
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