Letters

Featured Letter: Don’t push us away from Southold Town

Members of the public ringed the Code Committee table at Wednesday night's meeting. The committee will move forward with a code change to address short-term rentals in the village.
Members of the public ringed the Code Committee table at the March 26 meeting. The committee will move forward with a code change to address short-term rentals in the town. (Credit: Paul Squire)

To the editor:

Over the past several years I have frequently visited Southold for long-weekend stays. My family and I enjoy the beaches, restaurants, and many other local attractions. We pick our fall pumpkins and our Christmas trees out on the North Fork and bring them to our permanent residence in southwestern Connecticut.

I am told that there is currently legislation pending that would eliminate my ability to rent a house for a long weekend, which is something I do not understand. I have no interest in a B&B or a hotel. Our stays of three to five days in a house allows us to relax, spread out, do laundry and relax outside in some level of privacy. When we stay, we go out to lunch and dinner almost every day and we shop in local stores. I am sure there are many other renters of my mindset who also contribute significant economic value to the community.

Over the years, my family has not caused problems for any of the neighbors. In fact, to the limited extent we’ve interacted at all, it has always been very friendly.

I am hopeful that the proposed legislation is not acted upon, as we would miss our visits to your area, but I am not going to be forced to rent for a week or longer when I do not have a need for that duration.

Dan Grace, New Canaan, Conn.