It was business as usual for the Sherman Board of Selectmen (“BOS” or “Board”), who met for their regularly scheduled monthly meeting on the first full day of autumn, September 22, at Mallory Town Hall; however, more than the usual resident attendees were present as some came ready to voice their concerns to the Board regarding the use of Sherman homes as Airbnb’s.
First Selectman Don Lowe called the meeting to order and commenced with public comment. Resident Terri Hahn, with a photograph in tow, advised the Board and fellow residents that the Coote Hill Cell Tower is complete. “I would just like to take the courtesy of advising the board and the public at large that a project that we have worked on for eight years has now come to fruition,” Ms. Hahn said. Ms. Hahn last came before the Board at its March meeting to advise the Development and Management Plan for the construction of a cell tower that was approved by the Connecticut Siting Council. She went on to thank the Board, and residents, for its support, questions, and antagonisms; noting that the tower sits on private property, but its use will benefit every person who “comes through Sherman.”
Residents on Rte. 39 N addressed the Board regarding the existence of Airbnb’s in Sherman, in violation of Sherman statutes. Residents are very concerned and noted that, at least at 12 Rte. 39 N, use of the property as an Airbnb rental occurred all summer. “It’s very unsettling,” said one resident. Mr. Lowe acknowledged the existence of Airbnb’s in Sherman, in contravention of the Town’s laws. Neighbors of the property advised that it is advertised on the Airbnb website as being a property of Litchfield located in Kent, with its actual address in Sherman noted below. However, one can search on Airbnb.com for Sherman, CT and several listings appear, though the exact address/location of the rental is not provided until booking. “We are constantly battling this, and we will battle this one too,” Mr. Lowe said. He went on to promise that he would go over to the property and speak to the occupants/owner personally, noting that he has done that in other instances of known Airbnb’s. Fire Marshal Dave Lathrop will assist Mr. Lowe with this undertaking.
Pursuant to Sherman’s Zoning Regulations, “any uses not listed as permitted by these Regulations are deemed to be prohibited,” Section 323.1. AirBnb’s are not listed as permitted uses under Sherman’s regulations and therefore are prohibited. Bed and Breakfast establishments and roomers and boarders are specifically mentioned, but not Airbnb’s. The nature of Airbnb’s does not fall within the description of “roomers and boarders,” which is defined as no more than three and the “leasing of rooms or taking of boarders may only be done by owner occupants,” Section 324.1.D(2). I doubt it’s a stretch to say that despite the restrictions against it, Sherman might not be the only lake community plagued with illegal Airbnb’s.
Kelly Beatty, President of the Sherman Volunteer Fire Department (“SVFD” or the “Department”) was present to deliver the Department’s monthly report. To date, the SVFD responded to 280 fire and/or EMS calls. Earlier in September, the SVFD hosted a sonar search and rescue class on Candlewood Lake with five SFVD members and five members from Kent, CT. Currently, four members are enrolled in a Firefighter II class. Ms. Beatty also reminded residents that with cooler weather arriving, it is time to clear one’s chimney to avoid chimney fires.
On a motion of Selectman Bob Ostrosky, the Board unanimously voted to bring to Town Meeting a request that the Town pay, from AARPA funds, if possible, five percent of a FEMA grant accepted by the SVFD for mobile radio replacement, amounting to $7,140. The total grant, including the cost share portion, is $142,000.
Department of Public Works (“DPW”) Supervisor Kris Fazzone provided the Board with an update on the DPW and its projects. Mr. Fazzone announced that Mike LaVia is the DPW’s new mechanic. A few projects were completed, including the painting of crosswalks and the soccer field. Other projects in the works include tree maintenance and removal, and paving.
The Board appointed Cara Kaufman as Member of the Historic District Commission. Ms. Kaufman, who lives within the Historic District, was previously appointed as an alternate member of the Commission.
Other notable items covered included continued discussions regarding speed enforcement in town. The Board is proposing a two-month trial consisting of sixteen hours of enforcement each month, all weekend time, to collect data then analyze the results. A motion that passed at a Special Meeting on September 8 setting a referendum date of October 15 for the Independent Village Senior Housing Project was rescinded due to a conflict with the Town Registrar’s office. On Mr. Lowe’s motion, the Board set a new referendum date for December 10 from 8:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m.
The Annual Town Meeting is coming up on Saturday, October 22 at 10:00 a.m. in Charter Hall. The next Board of Selectmen meeting is scheduled for Thursday, October 27 at 7:00 p.m. in Mallory Town Hall.
By Michelle L. Santoro