Short Term rentals - Laconia

[greeleyhill]

We are hearing that the planning board in Laconia is about to do an about face on their stance on short term rentals. Heard from a board member (not disclosing their name to preserve their identity) that they are reversing all prior decisions because of the negative impact it will have on the tourist economy and their inability to consistently enforce the ordinance. I have to say I am dumbfounded by the boards stupidity in the first place. Laconia has been a tourist destination for years and homes have been on the market for rent for twice as long. The planning board (all white males between the ages of 68 and 90...with nothing better to do...so much for diversity...) somehow thought it would be a good idea to restrict tourism to the area so that the "local housing supply" wouldn't be bought and home prices driven up. Really?? Their argument was that out of state "investors" were coming in and buying up "all the housing stock in local neighborhoods" for heir own economic gain - renting them out on a short term basis. Again - in Laconia?? Ahh - nope. That's not what's happening. The planning board and those who enforce their decisions (DT) are a laughing stock. So sad that they can't find their elbow from their ace. Lawsuits will be pending from those who sold their property as a result of this ill-conceived ordinance in the first place. Inconsistent enforcement, no plan to consistently enforce, harassment to current owners who rent, favoritism for "small theater owners", the whole thing is a mess. What a disaster. So sad. Laconia could benefit from more forward thinking leaders who are actually interested in building the local economy. It's 2020. Say hello to Uber, Tesla, Amazon and Google...the future is here. Accept it or prepared to be a thing of the past.