Page 13 - May Banner 2018_Neat

Published by www.EPlusPromotes.com www.TheCatoctinBanner.com The Catoctin Banner Newspaper May 2018 Page 13
Town Tries to Address Shor t-Term Thurmont Lions Club Welcomes

Rental Housing New Members

James Rada, Jr. PDG Paul Cannada inducted Courtesy Photos
two new members into the
The Emmitsburg Town Council is Maria Henry, who uses her home Thurmont Lions Club on March
tackling the issue of short-term rental for short-term rentals, said she went 14, 2018.
housing, such as the type of rentals to Frederick County to see if she Lion Sarah Kells was
made through Airbnb. These rentals could do this because the town does sponsored by her father, Lion
aren’t hotels or bed and breakfasts. not have an ordinance addressing it. Bob Kells. Lion Carol Haag was
Sometimes, they might not even be the The county told her she was “good to sponsored by Lion Joann Miller.
rental of the entire home. go,” but the town threatened her with The new members shared some
This type of rental differs from a fines. This seems to have been due to information about themselves.
traditional lodging option because parking issues her rental caused and Lions Sarah and Carol received
it may not have an on-site manager not because of the rental itself. a warm welcome by everyone.
and it isn’t subject to health and “If there’s no ordinance, I (above) Pictured from left are President
safety inspections. They also don’t use shouldn’t be punished for continuing Nadja Muchow; Lion Sarah Kells; and
commercial signage and are typically an Airbnb,” Henry said. Lion Bob Kells, sponsor.
rented online through a site like Cipperly explained that the town
Airbnb. found a way to fit the rental use into Lions Clubs International
There is concern of such the town code, but this created the is the world’s largest service
rentals changing the nature of parking issue. club organization with almost
the neighborhood and even The commissioners will continue 1.4 million members in
commercializing it to some extent. It considering how to deal with approximately 47,000 clubs
also increases the number of strangers the problem in an equitable way, in over 200 countries and
in a neighborhood. There have been compared to traditional lodging and geographical areas around the
problems with fraudulent listings, long-term rentals, like those used by world. Lions Clubs have assisted
unfair competition with tradition students at Mount St. Mary’s. Pictured from left are Lion Joann Miller, sponsor; Lion the blind and visually impaired
lodging, and the lack of public notice Carol Haag; President Nadja Muchow. and made a strong commitment
about such rentals taking place. to community service and serving
“It can be like having a mini-hotel youth throughout the world. Lions clubs are comprised of individuals who
in your neighborhood,” said Town identify needs within the community and work together to fulfill those needs.
Planner Sue Cipperly. The Thurmont Lions Club has been serving the community since 1929,
Zoning and code changes can and meets the second and fourth Wednesday at Mountain Gate Restaurant in
help regulate such usage. Short-term Thurmont at 6:30 pm. For reservation, contact President Nadja Muchow at
rentals can be treated as a commercial 410-299-4074.
use. They can be licensed. Additional
insurance can be required. Rental
rooms can be limited. Adequate Kim Clever your top neighborhood real estate agent
parking can be required. These are
a few of the control options that A-List
municipalities can enact.
“This is not a unique problem,”
said Town Manager Cathy Willets. Your Home
“It’s a problem the state of Maryland
across the board has been trying to No Obligation
figure out.”
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