Amend And Pass Article 2 To Preserve Nantucket's Quality Of Life

To the editor: Having just spent two weeks off-island, I was very encouraged to return and learn that thoughtful minds have continued to work toward a constructive solution to the short-term rental (STR) issue.

It is my understanding that Article Two proponents have carefully listened to community feedback (including the recent I&M editorial) and (with the blessing of Dave Iverson) will be submitting two important amendments to Town Moderator Sarah Alger.

The first eliminates the seven-day minimum rental in the high season, a requirement that is redundant given that the cap on the number of stays during that period largely accomplishes the same objective. The second amendment increases the yearly total allowance to 80 days from 70 days, a significant increase intended to allow landlords to capture more shoulder-season revenue.

Many people have worked tirelessly to craft a proposal that, while not pleasing everyone, seems to represent a genuine compromise. If one believes, as I do, that we can’t continue down the path that is so clearly threatening the island’s quality of life, it is imperative that we pass Article 2 and move forward.

Bruce Miller